"I Can 'Understand' That Mom Naomi Was in Pain and 'Doing the Best She Could,'" Ashley Judd says of mom Naomi

Updated on July 26, 2022 16:58 PM by Ava Sara

Ashley Judd’s words

"I hope she was able to let go of whatever regret or shame that she held when she died," Ashley Judd said of her late mother Naomi Judd. "That is my most passionate desire for her."

Ashley Judd is speaking up about the new outlook on mental health that she's received following the death of her mother, Naomi Judd.

The Berlin Station actress

The Berlin Station actress, 54, talked to grief specialist David Kessler on his Healing with David Kessler podcast about her newfound understanding that her mother's suffering was caused by her cancer.

'I look back and realize I grew up with a mother who was misdiagnosed and mistreated,' Judd remarked. That's why I'm able to comprehend her conduct and interactions, as well as the decisions she made because I know that she was in agony at the time, and I know that she was doing her best, and if she could have done it any other way, I'm sure she would have."

The ardent wish of the mother

As previously discussed, Judd said she had realized that she "couldn't create" her mother's condition, "couldn't manage it," and "couldn't heal it" during the course of her life. The actress hoped that Naomi's death on April 30 at the age of 76 would bring the singer some peace.

"My most ardent wish for my mother is that when she transitioned, she was hopefully able to let go of any guilt or shame that she carried for any shortcomings she may have had in her parenting of my sister and me. For my part, everything was forgiven long ago, everything was forgiven long ago on my end "she stated.

Crime or sin

It was also discussed that the term "committed" should be replaced with "died by," as "committed" indicates a crime or sin.

Hierarchy of penal infractions

"This hierarchy of penal infractions, and committed to an institution or an asylum," Judd explained. The person with mental illness, I suppose, is seeking comfort or escape from something we can't even understand or conjure for ourselves, and how lucky we are to have that ability.

Wish trip

Her mother once handed up her first-class airline seat to an underprivileged youngster on a Make-A-Wish trip, which Judd heard about afterward. To illustrate how Naomi's generosity persisted even amid her misery, the "Why Not Me" singer also gave the youngster tickets to a performance.

Heartbreaking statements

Judd and her sister Wynonna shared a heart-breaking statement with Media at the time of their mother's death.

It was Naomi and Wynonna Judds' induction into Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame that the Judds planned to celebrate the following day. An emotional but dignified statement was delivered by Ashley and Wynonna, both 58, during the ceremony when they accepted their award.

Wynonna took the stage at Nashville's CMA

When Wynonna took the stage at Nashville's CMA Theater for the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, she said, "I'm going to make this brief because my heart's shattered — and I feel so fortunate." Becoming this broken and this blessed at the same time creates a peculiar dynamic.

The final tour of Wynonna and her mother

The final tour Wynonna and her mother had planned together would go on, despite Wynonna's absence.

After much consideration, I've decided to honor her and undertake this tour," she said during an homage to her mother. "I felt it would be nice to express that choice on national television," she said.

The performance must go on

"Despite the difficulties, the performance must go on, and we will show up together, and you will carry me as you have for the past 38 years... So we'll keep up the show "She mentioned this to Wynonna, as well. The question is, "Isn't that what she wants?"

First Mother's Day without her mother

It will be her first Mother's Day without her mother "abruptly, suddenly," she wrote. "Before she died, her fellow inductees at the Country Music Hall of Fame were able to express their admiration for her. My sister and I had just a few days left to show her how much we adored and respected her before she passed away."

Old-fashioned candy box

This wasn't intended to happen, she explained. "On Sunday, as is our custom, I was scheduled to pay her a visit and deliver an old-fashioned candy box. We were meant to savor each other's effortless presence and savor the sweetness of it.

Instead, I'm adrift and unsure of where I'm going. However, my heart is not completely empty. Thank you for everything she left behind. Music and remembrance are woven within her nurturing and kindness."