Before becoming a top name in country music, Wynonna Judd found herself helping raise her sister, Ashley Judd, as her mother, Naomi Judd, worked to keep them afloat. Although Naomi and Wynonna would eventually team up to form The Judds and land in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the singer never forgot the sacrifice that came with fame and success. Thrilled over what she accomplished as a solo artist and part of The Judds, Wynonna recently explained how that success caused a divide between her and Ashley.
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Appearing on Talking in Circles With Clint Black, Wynonna discussed what it was like to have a family full of successful stars. While Naomi and Wynonna pursued careers in country music, Ashley sought a different route as she became an actress. And due to their ongoing careers, the country singer insisted, “I don’t see her very much, and we’re not as close as I’d like to be. But that’s because success took us away from each other.”
While many aspiring artists want nothing more than to see their name in the spotlight, Wynonna shared a different side of success and exactly what it cost. “It’s a funny thing. There’s a bit of sadness, because being famous takes you from home.”
Why Wynonna Judd Needed To Be “Bigger And Meaner” Than Her Sister
But even with the fame and accolades, Wynonna never forgot what it was like growing up and how she had to raise Ashley. At the time, Naomi worked tirelessly to keep food on the table. And with her gone, the housework landed on Wynonna. “I raised Ashley. That’s why we have such a funny relationship, because she calls me sister-mommy. And I’m a little bit sad about that, because I didn’t get to be her sister.” She continued, “I’m bigger and meaner than her, because I had to be.”
Although the early years were rough on the Judd family, Wynonna was always surprised how each one of them made it out alive. “When you’re 14 years old and your mom is working all the time and you learn to drive — I was responsible for a lot, and she put me in charge, and that’s just the way it was. You grow up with a single parent, what are you gonna do. We made it, and it’s a miracle that we’re all able to do what we love.”
(Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
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