Naomi Judd

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Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd from the back cover of Why Not Me (1985). Original photograph by Mario Casilli.

Naomi Judd (born Diana Ellen Judd on January 11, 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky) is an American country music singer and songwriter.

With her daughter, Wynonna Judd, Naomi formed the highly successful singing duo known as The Judds, after ending her career as a nurse. Her second daughter, Ashley Judd, is a film and stage actress.

As country music's most famous mother/daughter team, The Judds scored 20 top 10 hits (including 15 #1s) and went undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country music awards shows. In addition, the duo won 5 Grammy Awards and a vast array of other awards and honors. As a songwriter, Naomi also won a Grammy for Country Song of the Year with the Judds' smash hit "Love Can Build A Bridge."

In 1991, after selling more than 20 million albums and videos in seven years and at the pinnacle of their career, The Judds' reign came to an abrupt end because Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a potentially fatal chronic liver disease that forced her retirement. Their duet ended on a high note when their "Farewell" tour was the top grossing act and their farewell concert was the most successful musical event in cable pay-per-view history.

Naomi has since stepped out of the spotlight to explore paths that have led to new endeavors. Today, she says that she is completely cured of the Hepatitis C virus, and uses the strength of her own experiences as spokesperson for the American Liver Foundation.

In 1991, Naomi created the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund, using her household name and personal time to raise awareness of the deadly Hepatitis C virus as well as research funds for the American Liver Foundation.

Naomi also expresses her energy on humanitarian activities, social issues and personal growth education. She has spoken at conventions, seminars and high profile summits as well as numerous media awareness campaigns and Capitol Hill hearings.

In 1999 Naomi starred as Lily Waite alongside Andy Griffith and Gerald McRaney in the film A Holiday Romance.

In November 2005, Naomi began to host a talk show, "Naomi's New Morning", on Sunday mornings on the Hallmark Channel. [1]

She is a registered Republican^{[citation needed]}, but her daughters are not.