Naomi Judd’s Husband Larry Strickland Speaks Out For First Time At Late Wife’s Tribute

Prior to the April 30 passing of Naomi Judd, mother-daughter duo the Judds had announced that they’d be hitting the road for the first time in over a decade.

Wynonna and Ashley Judd thanked fans who stood by their mom, Naomi Judd, at CMT's "Naomi Judd: A River of Time" memorial special on Sunday — and have spoken out a few times to honor the late country music star since she died in April.  Over the weekend, the Judd daughters referred to their late mother as "a salty single mama" before thanking their family therapist for making the ceremony "a little lighter." The memorial was held at the Rynman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Robin Roberts. Wynonna and Ashley sat beside Naomi’s husband, Larry Strickland, who spoke out about her death for the first time.  Ashley Judd, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd during Wynonna Judd Press Event at The Ritz Carlton in Pasadena, CA, United States.

Larry Strickland is paying tribute to his late wife Naomi Judd.

Wynonna and Ashley Judd thanked fans who stood by their mom, Naomi Judd, at CMT's "Naomi Judd: A River of Time" memorial special on Sunday — and have spoken out a few times to honor the late country music star since she died in April.  Over the weekend, the Judd daughters referred to their late mother as "a salty single mama" before thanking their family therapist for making the ceremony "a little lighter." The memorial was held at the Rynman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Robin Roberts. Wynonna and Ashley sat beside Naomi’s husband, Larry Strickland, who spoke out about her death for the first time.  Ashley Judd, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd during Wynonna Judd Press Event at The Ritz Carlton in Pasadena, CA, United States.

A fitting tribute. Naomi Judd‘s husband, Larry Strickland, talked about the country singer’s legacy while recalling her final days in an emotional speech.

Editor's note: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Naomi Judd's husband was "scared to death" over the country music star's trip to Nashville days before she died by suicide.

Naomi Judd‘s husband is speaking out in public about his late wife for the first time.

Naomi Judd’s husband, Larry Strickland, knew just how much his wife enjoyed meeting new people. On Sunday, Strickland spoke out for the first time since his wife’s death as part of CMT's memorial special.“Namoi never met a stranger,” Larry said while on stage with Naomi's daughters, Ashley and Wynonna Judd. «Much to my displeasure, she would start a conversation with anyone who made eye contact with her, and we would end up standing 10, 20, 30 minutes on a sidewalk while she talked to a complete stranger about their passions and their dog.” Larry, who married Naomi in 1989, shared that his wife recently took a solo flight from Georgia to Nashville, noting that it was rare for her to fly alone.

A country legend remembered. Naomi Judd‘s life and legacy were celebrated in an emotional televised memorial organized by her daughters and husband.

died by suicide in late April.“Naomi Judd: A River of Time” aired commercial-free on CMT with performances by Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Brandi Carlile, Carly Pearce, Emmylou Harris and Allison Russell, Gaither Vocal Band, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town and Wynonna.Wynonna also announced that she will continue the 11-date national tour she previously had scheduled with her mom before her untimely death.“After a lot of thought, I’m going to have to honor her and do this tour. I’m just going to have to,” she said.

Faith Hill will join forces with several prominent figures for an emotional and expansive tribute to country legend Naomi Judd.MORE: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's daughter displays modeling skills in striking new photoThe singer took to social media to share a poster from the special titled Naomi Judd: A River of Time, which will air on Sunday night on CMT.VIDEO: Faith Hill shares 'painful' memory of filming 1883She'll be joined by several members of the country music industry, including Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde, and Brandi Carlile. Other musicians like Bono and Bette Midler are also slated to be part of it.Many others from the entertainment industry will also join in, including Reese Witherspoon, Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, and Morgan Freeman.MORE: Gracie McGraw delights fans with bold celebratory beach videoRobin Roberts will host the event, alongside Naomi's two daughters, Wynonna and Ashley Judd, and the affair promises to be a heartfelt one."Wynonna and Ashley, our hearts are with you as your beloved matriarch, Naomi Judd, will be celebrated today," Faith wrote alongside her post.A post shared by Faith Hill (@faithhill)Faith will be part of a star-studded tribute to Naomi"May we all raise our hands and celebrate this extraordinary woman along with her closest friends.

Naomi Judd, CMT has set a live, televised event, , to honor the late singer. The tribute to Judd’s career and legacy will feature never-before-seen performances and musical collaborations, with special guests, appearances and messages from some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Judd's two daughters — Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd.Performers include Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris & Allison Russell, Little Big Town and The Gaithers. Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s as well as a close family friend of Judd’s, will host the special. Naomi’s closest friends, including Bono, Morgan Freeman, Oprah WinfreySalma Hayek, Martina McBrideand others will all make special appearances.Naomi Judd is remembered as one half of the famed mom-and-daughter duo, The Judds, alongside her daughter, Wynonna. She died by suicide at the end of April, just a day before The Judds were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. At the time of her death, Judd’s daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, released a statement, saying, «Today we sisters experienced a tragedy.

Editor's note: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Naomi Judd will be honored with a memorial presented by CMT on May 15 at 5 p.m.

Country music superstar Naomi Judd died of a self-inflicted firearm wound on April 30, daughter Ashley Judd said on ABC’s Good Morning America today.

Ashley Judd opened up about the pain of being without her mom Naomi Judd ahead of her first Mother’s Day alone.

Only days after losing her mother, Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd is honouring her ahead of Mother’s Day.

Ashley Judd is paying tribute to her mom, Naomi, in a sweet way.

Dolly Parton has paid tribute to fellow country music artist Naomi Judd, who died over the weekend. Parton took to Instagram to share her condolences, writing that she was “shocked” to hear of Judd’s passing. “Naomi and I were close.