According to Insider Country, the late singer Ashley Judd’s daughter Naomi had planned her funeral ahead of time. The private service was filled with music performances from gospel and country rock singers, as Naomi had chosen songs for them to sing.
According to Ashley, who mentioned the publication, she expressed a strong desire to have the funeral service with a central theme of “mortal suffering, chaos, and doubt juxtaposed with the hopeful blessings, tranquility, and comprehension of the afterlife.” Ashley had already prepared all the details in writing, relieving us of any uncertainty, for which we are grateful to her.
Dolly Parton welcomed the crowd saying, “We are family. And when it’s family, you forgive them for they know not what they do. When it’s family, you accept them because you have no choice but to. When it’s family, they’re a mirror of the worst and best in you. You’re always trying to do your best, and they always put you to the test, and you pray for God to do the rest.”
Vince Gill reportedly informed the audience, at Naomi’s request, before performing the Stanley Brothers’ “Drifting Too Far From The Shore,” saying, “I’m grateful that I don’t have to sing ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’ today.” The Isaacs performed three songs, namely, “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing,” “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” The Isaacs, renowned in the gospel genre, sang three songs, specifically, “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing,” “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Bono, the lead singer of U2, made an appearance through a video to recite a poem. The Oak Ridge Boys, who entertained the crowd with stories about touring with The Judds, sang “Farther Along” and “Amazing Grace.” The Imperials, accompanied by Naomi’s husband Larry Strickland, came together to perform “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.” Ricky Skaggs took the stage and delivered a rendition of “Talk About Suffering.” Other notable artists present at the event included Ricky Skaggs, who performed “Talk About Suffering,” The Imperials, joined by Naomi’s husband Larry Strickland, singing “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” and the Oak Ridge Boys, who not only shared stories about touring with The Judds but also performed “Farther Along” and “Amazing Grace.”
Bob Weir, a constituent of The Grateful Dead, executed “Ripple,” and was subsequently trailed by Guy Penrod, a gospel vocalist, who performed “Knowing What I Know About Heaven.”
Naomi’s younger brother Mark offered a eulogy prior to Naomi’s daughters, Ashley and Wynonna, taking the stage together to honor their mom.
“I’m just so mad she didn’t hang on so we could dance together one more time,” she said before confirming that she plans to honor the tour dates she and her mother had planned for later this year. “You know me. I will keep singing. It’s going to be lonely, but I will sing.”
Carlile, who had tested positive for COVID, was unable to attend the ceremony. However, the day following Naomi’s passing, Carlile, who was originally set to perform the song “Love Can Build a Bridge” live at The Judds’ Country Music Hall of Fame induction, delivered a heartfelt rendition of the song. The service came to an end with this performance.
We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief after losing our beautiful mother to the mental illness disease. Naomi Judd passed away at the age of 76 in April. Her daughters made an announcement on social media, stating that they had lost their beloved mom.