“And these shows are healing me, one show at a time," said Wynonna.
Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide which some readers may find distressing
Dealing with the death of a family member can be hard. Wynonna Judd recently lost her mother and she said performing helps her during this difficult time. “I’m somewhere between hell and hallelujah,” she told after being asked how she was feeling, as reported by TODAY.
“And these shows are healing me, one show at a time. And all my friends are coming and it’s like the greatest party you throw yourself before the end. I feel like I’m doing a victory lap and the fans are watching me and they’re for me because they grew up with me,” the country singer said.
Her mother, Naomi Judd, the iconic country singer, was 76 years old and died by suicide in April. The Judds had announced a 10-date arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is now being continued by Wynonna solo. “I’m seeing up to four generations at the shows,” said Wynonna. “It’s a crazy time because it’s not about show business. This is a celebration of life, as well as people going through their own stuff while listening to the songs of what they went through,” she said.
She added that "thousands of people are showing up to celebrate" with her.
She is going strong despite the pain that she feels. “I will cry and then go right into the next song, and I keep Kleenex right here at all times,” she said, referring to having a tissue inside her shirt, something her mother also used to do," said Wynonna. She spoke about her daughter, Kaliyah, who has helped her through this time. “She doesn't speak yet, but she looks right through me," Wynonna said. "She gives me hope ... so much of what we do is about us, so it's nice to be with her because she doesn't care what I look like," she said.
She also has people whom she calls her support system. “I have a grief counselor and a life coach and I call them and I say, ‘I don’t understand why’ and they’ll say, ‘Ask yourself “What? What can you do?”’ she said. “They help shift me over to another lane and they help me to go, ‘I can do something, even though I feel hopeless right now.’ Instead of asking, ‘Why?’ ask, ‘What? What can I do right this minute to get to the next breath, to the next right thing?’”
Some of The Judds' greatest hits have been "Love Can Build a Bridge" in 1990, "Turn It Loose" in 1998, Girls' Night Out” in 1985, “Mama He’s Crazy” in 1984, and “Why Not Me” in 1984. Wynonna is performing with Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Martina McBride. “It’s incredibly overwhelming,” she said. “It's like at a funeral when you have your entire family there and yet you wouldn’t have it any other way, even though it’s the hardest thing to do sometimes, is just to be present and do the next thing that you’re doing, and they’re there to support. Country music is a community.”
References:
https://www.today.com/popculture/wynonna-judd-grieving-mom-somewhere-between-hell-hallelujah-rcna53681
https://www.today.com/popculture/music/naomi-judd-country-icon-dies-76-rcna26792
Cover Image Source: Getty Images/ Brett Carlson
