Singer Wynonna Judd told Hoda Kotb in an interview on TODAY on October 24 that performing has helped her navigate the death of her mother, Naomi Judd. When asked how she is feeling right now, Wynonna said she is somewhere between hell and hallelujah.
She added that these shows heal her, one show at a time, and all her friends are coming. It is like throwing the greatest party before the end. She feels like she is doing a victory lap, and the fans are watching her, and they are for her because they grew up with her.
Naomi Judd tragically died by suicide back in April. Wynonna has opted to continue her mother-daughter tour solo, and she said that it has been satisfying to see all the people come out in support of her.
Thousands of people supporting Wynonna at her tour
Wynonna told Hoda that she is seeing up to four generations at the shows, and it is a crazy time because it is not about show business. She added that this is a celebration of life, and she is seeing people going through their own stuff and listening to songs that relate to what they went through.
The singer said all these help her cope with the pain she feels. She noted that she would cry and then go right into the next song and always keeps Kleenex with her. She referred to having a tissue inside her shirt, which her mom used to do before.
She added that thousands of people are showing up to her tour to celebrate with her. Wynonna said that her six-month-old granddaughter, Kaliyah, has helped her stay grounded during this time.
She said that her grandchild does not speak yet, but she looks right through her. Wynonna shared that she gives her hope. She added that so much of what they do is about them, so it is nice to be with her because she does not care what she looks like.
Wynonna decides to add 15 shows to her tour
Wynonna also said that she has a strong support system beyond her family. She said in the interview that she has a grief counselor and a life coach helping her. She added that they helped shift her to another lane, and they helped her do something even though she felt hopeless. They remind her regularly that instead of asking, "Why?" she should ask, "What?"
People are flocking to see Wynonna, who has added tour dates. She performs with Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, and Martina McBride. She said having that group of singers around her during this time has been a blessing.
She noted that it is incredibly overwhelming the support she is getting, saying that country music is a community.
