By Erin Keller
#NaomiJudd died by #suicide after long battle with #mentalillness
- #AshleyJudd weeps over mom Naomi’s death: ‘I’m sorry she couldn’t hold on’
- #TheJudds, #RayCharles join the #CountryMusicHallofFame
#NaomiJudd, one-half of the iconic country music duo #TheJudds, reportedly died by #suicide after years of struggling with #mentalillness.
Naomi’s daughters, #Wynonna and #Ashley, said they lost their mom to “the disease of #mentalillness” in a statement released on Saturday.
On Monday, multiple sources told People that the 76-year-old country music icon had killed herself. No further details were provided.
The Post has reached out for comment from representatives of the singers.
Larry Strickland, Naomi’s husband of 32 years, had also previously made a statement. “Naomi Judd’s family request privacy during this heartbreaking time. No additional information will be released at this time,” he said.
Naomi and Wynonna, 57, were inducted into the #CountryMusicHallofFame on Sunday.
“I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew mom would probably talk the most,” a tearful Wynonna told the audience at the Nashville ceremony. “I’m gonna make this fast, because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. It’s a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and this blessed.”
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
SEE ALSO
#AshleyJudd weeps over mom Naomi’s death: ‘I’m sorry she couldn’t hold on’
“I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” a crying Ashley said, adding, “While this is so much about the Judds as a duo, I want to take a moment to recognize my sister, a GOAT.”
Earlier last month, #Naomi and #Wynonna had announced they would reunite for a celebratory final tour that was set to launch in September.
“Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing,” #Wynonna said on Sunday.
#Naomi had been candid about her #mentalhealthstruggles in the past. In 2016, she revealed her battles with “extreme” and “severe depression” that left her housebound on “#GoodMorningAmerica.”
“[Fans] see me in rhinestones, you know, with glitter in my hair, that really is who I am,” she told anchor Robin Roberts at the time. “But then I would come home and not leave the house for three weeks, and not get out of my pajamas, and not practice normal hygiene. It was really bad.”
“When I came off the tour, I went into this deep, dark, absolutely terrifying hole and I couldn’t get out,” she continued. “I spent two years on my couch.” The country icon further shared that she had considered taking her own life at a bridge near her farm.
What do you think? Post a comment.
In 2016, #Naomi wrote a book, titled “#RiverofTime: #MyDescentIntoDepression and How I Emerged With Hope,” to go public with her diagnosis and to let people know that #mentalillness is “not a character flaw, it’s a stinking disease.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
