The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday in Nashville amid tears and laughter.

The induction came just one day after Naomi Judd, the matriarch of the legendary country music duo, died.


“Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing,” Wynonna Judd said while accepting her mother’s and her induction.

Wynonna added that she had not prepared an induction speech, saying with a rolling of eyes that she "knew Mom would probably talk the most." The crowd laughed.


“I’m going to make this fast because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed, and it’s a very strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed,” Wynonna said.

Ashley Judd, Naomi’s daughter and Wynonna’s sister, also spoke at the ceremony.

“I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” Ashley Judd said through tears.

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As fellow country music star Ricky Skaggs inducted the Judds into the hall, he complimented the Judds’ strength and told Wynonna and Ashley that their family’s example over the years showed “y'all was solid.”


“You knew who you were, and you knew whose you were — who you belong to, who gave you the talent. I’m just thankful for the Judds and the music,” Skaggs added. “We’re here praying for you guys. Keep going. Don’t turn back. Your greatest days are ahead. They’re not behind you. This is a new chapter for your life. I believe God’s given you an ink pen of his love to write your future.”

At the ceremony, the daughters said that the family was gathered around their mother reciting Psalm 23 as she died.

Wynonna Judd
Wynonna Judd looks to the sky during the Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP) Wade Payne/Invision


In addition to the Judds, Eddie Bayers, a drummer who played for many of the Judd albums, Ray Charles, and Pete Drake were also inducted.

Bayers is the first drummer to join the Hall of Fame.

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Charles, who became blind and orphaned at a young age, is best known for his R&B, gospel, and soul music. However, his country music recordings marked a changed approach to the genre.

Drake died in 1988 but was remembered as one of the best-skilled session musicians. He is the first pedal steel guitar player to become part of the hall.