Russell Rhodes Blog

You just never know.

You just never know what people are going through. I’m referring to Naomi Judd. In case you haven’t heard, she died.

The alert came on my phone late Saturday afternoon. Naomi’s daughters Ashley and Wynonna announced their mother’s death.

“Today, we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”

Naomi Judd’s husband said no other information will be released at this time.

CNN reports that Naomi Judd had been open about her mental illness. She suffered from severe depression and anxiety. Her book was titled: “River of Time: My descent into depression and I emerged with hope.”

So many friends and colleagues are commenting. People Magazine has tweets from Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Travis Tritt and Reba McEntire.

Reba tweets: “We’ve been down the long road together. I sure miss my buddy. Rest In Peace. Finally. Love you Naomi.”

The death of Naomi Judd came one day before “The Judds” were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. They went ahead with the ceremony last night.

Wynonna said, “I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew my mom would probably talk the most. 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 blessed.”

Ashley said, “My momma loved you so much, and she appreciated your love for her and I’m sorry she couldn’t hang on until today.”

Heartbreaking.

This has made me remember how much I loved “The Judds.” I had all their albums. It was my country phase.

I remember when they came to San Antonio on tour. My parents drove down from Paris, Texas. We went to their concert. So much fun. Such a great memory.

We still don’t know exactly how Naomi Judd died. We can make some conclusions. That said, we don’t really need to know.

Her family says she died as result of the “disease of mental illness.” It just got me thinking. You never really know what people are going through.

I need to keep that in mind. Be less judging of others because you just never know.