Ashley Judd speaks about mother’s passing l GMA 

She was seen, she was heard, and she was walked home...powerful message !

The anecdote about her mother knowing all the staff at The Cheesecake Factory in town, and recommending the Walgreens staff member get a dog, and tipping janitorial employees wherever she went truly speaks to her heart and her legacy. Naomi made everyone feel loved and special. We all love her for it.

"the lie that the disease told her was so convincing" is probably the best way I've heard this described. I feel for them so much. Losing a loved on this way feels like you never really stop grieving. I hate that they are forced to publicly address this before they're ready to or even that they have to publicly address it at all.

Ashley is an amazing brave woman. Our hearts go out to the entire family. Everyone has someone in their family who suffers from depression.

Ashley speaks so eloquently on such a tremendously difficult, personal and heartbreaking situation. My heart breaks for her. I pray the public is respectful and allows them their privacy. The Judd's deserve our admiration and respect. Naomi Judd was truly amazing, talented and generous. I did not know until Ashley shared it in this interview that her mother would routinely and quietly give $100 bills to those in need. A star not just on stage but in her humanity. Rest in peace.

Heartbreaking. I love the way Ashley explains depression as the liar that wouldn’t allow her to believe all the good things. So true.

Ashley has taken upon herself one of the most difficult tasks in the celebrity world. The family obviously realizes what a nasty world this can be … especially social media. My heart goes out to her and to them all. What a brave daughter she is. We who suffer from mental diagnoses are helped by the openness of her admission. It reminds us that we are not alone just as our Lord has told us repeatedly. The way Ashley expressed that her mother was “walked home” speaks to our minds and hearts.

I can not imagine under any circumstances her mother asking her to stay with her and for her to come back into the room to find her mother dead like that. It’s one thing to have to cope with your mother passing away by suicide it’s another thing to be the one that finds her minutes after seeing her alive. That is so unbelievably heartbreaking and gut wrenching.

My sister hung herself at 60 years of age. I never understood the depression it takes to do that. I pray this story helps someone to stop and get help. Keep telling your story. She was loved.

This broke my heart. God Bless the family, and I really hope they get the privacy they request. The privacy Ms. Naomi Judd DESERVES.

I can't not stop crying, my heart goes out to this family. I'm so proud that Ashley and the rest of her family made the decision to get in front of how their beloved mom passed away and told what they wanted to share, before the media hounds got a hold of this. Now let this beautiful family mourn is peace.

These daughters, this family is really next level compassionate beings. My heart goes out to you all.

They are all three honestly so eloquent with their words. Just really classy people who shouldn’t be going through this or have to explain this. 💔

Ashley is so empathetic and knowledgeable. Truly special.

This was such a precious way to share this information with all of her fans. Ashley did a wonderful job and it shows just how much her mother was loved. I pray for solace and strength for the family.

My heart aches for these daughters who are mourning the loss of their mother. They weren't expecting her to come this way and will have to recover. The Judd family is in Off Cam Celebs' thoughts and prayers..

I hope Dwayne at Walgreens gets a dog. This was such a beautiful interview and I admire Ashley and her family for taking control of the narrative. Ashley is absolutely right that the 'gossip economy' would have relentlessly pursued this information with no regard for Naomi's dignity. As I watched this I kept hearing in my mind, 'Honor they mother.'

This is so sad, it’s a shame that a person ( family members) has to feel the need to come out to the public before a love ones autopsy report is Disclosed. She was in such pain. I feel for the family, I’ve always loved your family on stage, and I love you now, may she rest in peace the peace that she was searching for, for so long. And just know Ashlea that your mother really did love you.

My heart hurts for Ashley, Wynonna, Pop and the rest of the family. Having lost my brother to suicide, I identify with their grief. I will never understand why 15 years later my brother chose to end his life. Someone told me after he died, "You're not supposed to understand, it only made sense to him. You can armchair quarterback all day long and think you know, and you may never make heads or tails of anything." I feel for her and the entire family. I don't understand their grief and I am not attempting to. I identify with them. Rest in Peace, Naomi. Sending deepest love and respects to her family.

My heart breaks for Ashley and Wynonna. I can't imagine Ashley discovering her mother. I'll just be praying for them and their family. Mental illness is real. It is not just someone having a bad day.

Kudos to Ashley for having the strength and courage to do this interview. Especially so soon after the fact. I hope the family can heal from this, and will somehow be able to move on.

I want to thank the Judds for sharing what happened at a time we should allow them to grief the loss of their mother. Also want to say thank you for openly expressing that you want to help others by reminding them they can get help

I lost my wife of ten years toward the end of 2019 after a long struggle with depression and substance abuse. It was a very similar situation. Though she was struggling at the start of our relationship, we found happiness and stability for a while and most of our time together she worked as a peer support worker who helped others with those same issues, touching countless lives, shining a light through the darkness of despair and hopelessness. I ask myself why I'm still here, why I carry on, knowing everything she did to help others, yet in the end ultimately being unable to help her escape her own despair. I suppose the life and love we shared is just another verse in this beautiful song of hope that will keep playing on forever. As utterly painful and difficult as it was to lose her, I'll always remember the beauty she brought to life.

The fact that this family had to go thru this because society doesn't know when you simply let people be is so heartbreaking.Losing a loved on this way feels like you never really stop grieving. Thanks for sharing this video.

I’ve never ever heard mental illness explained in a way that I really seemed to understand. Her words of description from savage to unpenetrable (sp?) made me think about others who suffer depression and I didn’t see it this way. I didn’t see it as a shell worn that good cannot penetrate. Mental illness has to be a focus. We need people to understand and see this isn’t just someone laying on the couch….I thank her for her bravery and eloquence in helping me and hopefully others actually see how debilitating this disease can be. May all who suffer know we hear you and there is help. Thank you Ms Judd. Thank you.

The Judd's music was the soundtrack to my life! This hit me so hard. We love you ladies. Rest in Peace beautiful Naomi. I'm so sorry you were in so much pain. Wynonna you take all the time you need. We love you all.

I appreciate Ashley being open about the way her mom passed. I always thought that Naomi was simply amazing. She started out as a nurse. I too am a nurse who struggles with suicidal thoughts sometimes daily. I started out before nursing wanting to be a musician. It takes a great amount of guts and talent to go from a “safe” job of nursing to an uncertain future where it's not easy to make a living in music. I understand totally what it's like to have people telling me I am doing well in my career but I don't feel good enough. People who don't understand mental illness don't understand how someone like Naomi, Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, or Kurt Cobain could not enjoy all the perks they had in life. Naomi was trained to help people who are suffering but couldn't find a reason to live anymore. I hope no one seeing this video ever feels that lost in the world. It's sadness on top of shame that is a disease, people want to dismiss as BS.

My heart is so heavy as I wipe away my tears...I wish I could put my arms around Ashley and comfort her...I hope everyone will honor and respect the family's wishes...😪

This is so tragic..yes she's a celebrity..but..she's a person...the sadness and grief is so real 💔 ❤️ 😔

I’ve been on medication for depression for most of my life. It has helped me immensely. If anybody reading this is suffering from depression please know you’re not alone. You’re precious, loved, and I’m praying for you. Naomi’s family and friends are in my prayers. I’m so sorry for their loss.

Unless you’ve been there or are going through it, it’s hard to wrap your head around. Good for them for honouring their mom and sharing before the cruel media takes hold.

Oh, my heart! Ashley is most eloquent when speaking of her mother. She and Wynonna will no doubt honor Naomi’s legacy by continuing to destigmatize and bring awareness to the disease of mental illness. May this family stand strong in their faith and in their love for one another.

Mental illness is so hard because the rest of the world can't see the wound and pain, only the person living it can. To everyone going through this, please know there is help, you don't have to go through this alone. You are brave and precious, don't give up the fight! ❤️

Living with depression is like walking with a 50lb bag of rice on your back everyday. It's a dark rain cloud that follows you around while the sun shines on everyone else. I deal with it everyday and listening to Ashley describe what her mother has lived with hits home. The bully that depression is will have you thinking tat you're worst than gum on the bottom of someone's shoe. I'm hoping that the family can come to peace with this and know that they did everything they could. More research needs to go into studying mental illness as it cuts across all racial, socioeconomic and culture lines. It is actively breaking apart families and it is not being taken seriously. It is so hard with insurance to even find a qualified therapist and if you're one of the millions, not insured....... This was a great interview and i'm glad she was able to set the record straight in her own words.

My heart is so broken over this. I can’t even imagine the pain she was going through but the only comfort through all of this is that Naomi can have peace now. She is not hurting anymore. RIP Naomi, You will always be loved. My heart goes out to the Judd Family.

I am proud of Ashley for being able to talk about it while dealing with her grief. Naomi should be remembered for being kind towards others and the legacy of her music. If anyone is going through the same thing she dealt with just know there is help and even though I don’t know you I am proud of you for getting up every damn day and that you are still here. Never give up

My heart breaks for these daughters grieving the loss of their beloved mother. They were not prepared for her passing this way and will need to heal. I lost my dad in a car accident. Suddenly without warning they are just gone. My mom had Alzheimer’s and died slowly piece by piece and her passing was more of a release. I hope they see their moms passing as a release and are comforted by that. Prayers for the family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her fans and thru her music. Never forgotten Always remembered with love.

Oh goodness, the hurt is felt through this interview. My heart is broken just watching. Many prayers will be lovingly sent up for Naomi and her beautiful daughters and family. May God comfort and heal you all.❤🙏🏻

My friends son took his life the same way a few weeks ago and my friend is the one who found him. The trauma for those left behind is almost unbearable. My heart goes out to the families of those who have left us in this manor. 😢

Diane Sawyer is such a good interviewer. She’s sincere and kind.

Ashley,the trauma is epic and the loss of your beautiful Mom is overwhelming. Your Mom raised such classy daughters. I feel the depth of your love towards each other. I will choose to remember your Mom as you do lovely, kind, selflessness and beautiful. Someone who made me happy with her songs growing up. Someone who made something of herself despite low odds being a single Mom . Please try to pick out your memories of Mom that make you smile and not the ones make you sadder. She is so proud of you and I do believe those were real moments of happiness when she saw your beautiful face and hugged you. She is at peace with God. Bless you and your family

A loss felt by so many, dignity due so rightfully, "she was walked home", and now, helping to shine more light on the desperate need for mental health care. Thank you for sharing. Continued prayers for the family.

I’ve always had the greatest respect for Ashley. Sending prayers for her and her sister and all their family and friends.

So brave of Ashley! Heartfelt condolences and best wishes for her and her family as they walk through this storm.

Thank you for sharing as much as you did, Ms. Judd. We are all praying for you and your family

Thank you for sharing this. As someone who suffers from severe mental illness and suicidal thinking this needs to be shared so people understand that they are not alone. The struggle is real.

Ashley is a pillar of strength to give this interview at such a difficult time (and attend the HoF awards the day after witnessing what happened to her mom). As someone who has suffered from depression & traumas, I don't think it's necessarily that Naomi felt unloved or unworthy (maybe a bit of the latter from abusive experiences when she was younger). Perhaps, it was the constant aching numbness & sadness that goes along with chemical depression? I heard Naomi comment in interviews, the depression began after her Hep C diagnosis and having to quit touring, which gave her such joy! I wonder if it's possible that Hep C altered her body chemistry, even though she survived it? She fought so hard for so long! Rest peacefully, dear Naomi. 🙏😢

It's only been a year since Ashley nearly died herself. My heart goes out to them, and to anyone else who is hurting right now.

I’ve had family members who started their second journeys from the disease of mental illness. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the disease can be a roller coaster ride. Seeing this solidifies the fact we are not alone and together we can help one another. It’s takes time and professional help, but we power through one day at a time. Sending prayers to the Judd family and all those affected by this illness. 🙏🏼

The fact that this family had to go thru this because society doesn't know when you simply let people be is so heartbreaking. No one should ever have to go on national TV and explain what happened and how simply to get ahead of people just looking to make a dollar off of a story. We have truly lost respect and empathy and it's disgusting. My heartbreaks for them and I pray for them, depression, anxiety and all other mental health conditions are no joke and just because people may seem strong may just be a mask to get thru it another day

Such a beautful women. I could watch her listen to her sing talk, and come out of a bad mood. My heart is smashed. I can only imagine her suffering .I will mourn for ever, RIP angel

This interview brought me to tears. May peace be with you all. 🙏🏼❤️

Many prayers for you and your family. She will be missed dearly.

having just lost my mom, i cannot imagine the grief they are going through, and ashley's additional trauma after finding mom. i wish your beautiful family peace. you are blessed with love and support from each other....and the world loved your beautiful mom! 💕

To show such grace, during the most painful time of your life - my heart breaks for Ashley, for the entire family. I hope they are surrounded by loving people and allowed peace. 🙏💔

So sorry Ashley. Wynonna, Pop, and yourself are in my prayers. Please everyone respect their privacy. This has to be so hard to reveal to the world. Naomi was not weak, she is now signing with the Lord.

Depression does not discriminate. This makes me weep. 💔💔💔

My heart hurts for Ashley, Wynonna, Pop and the rest of the family. Having lost my brother to suicide, I identify with their grief.

This is such a special family. In the midst of their grief they shared this personal tragedy in hopes of helping others. My prayers are for all of them as they move forward in this painful time

Naomi, like so many, battled her mental illness for decades and unfortunately lost her life to it. I hope this opens up a larger conversation about the impact mental illness has on not only the individuals who are cursed with it, but how it effects their loved ones. As someone who is a mother who has bipolar disorder, this is my greatest fear. I never want my little girl to feel the weight of what I struggle with, but I also want it to be talked about in a healthy way so she can understand that it is many people’s reality. So that she may have empathy and understanding for other’s experiences, and to know that if she ever finds herself in that dark hole that is depression she is never alone.

Having lost 2 family members to suicide...my heart aches for the "Judd" family. There's no answer to the question..."WHY". May God wrap all of you in his arms. 💔🙏 May the world now give this family the privacy they need & the time to grieve.

My heart goes out to the family. I have family members that have struggled and some are currently suffering.

I love seeing Ashley and Diane hugging. I wish I could hug them all. Rest In Peace our beautiful Naomi. Thank you for the beautiful songs you wrote for us and sharing your life with us. The hardships you endured. Your personality was magical and so unique.We love you all.

Mental health is real and it's sad some people call people with mental health crazy or mental. We are not that, we struggle and ppl think it's a joke. People don't take us seriously and it's so upsetting.

Thank you for your honesty and your families love and all the beautiful music that was made , so very sorry for your loss . It breaks my heart .

My goodness, I just can't imagine how painful and difficult this is for the family. Their courage in dealing with this tragedy so soon is amazing, and also sad that they felt it necessary so that they could preempt the press. Be strong, sisters.

Sorry to hear about the passing may she rest in peace and lots of prayers to the family

This is so sad and such a huge tragedy. Ashley looks so much like her mama.. Godbless her and her family.💞

I my heart aches for the family. I lost my brother to it 18 months ago and the extreme anger and sadness is still there.

So brave to speak to the specifics of the situation. They are right. If they don't say it others would. Prayers for the family and everyone else in the deep of it.

In the midst of her grief, she is so well spoken. This was heart wrenching to watch. Mother-loss is one of the hardest, let alone to lose one’s mom via suicide & be the one to find her. Prayers that God keeps a loving hand on the whole family.

What a beautiful kind daughter she is. I’m crying and crying so much. I never listen to the music I really don’t even know who they are. But what a beautiful kind daughter

This interview went deeper than the heart.

I lost my nephew to mental illness. My heart goes out to her family. So hard to lose a loved one to mental illiness.

Truly heartbreaking. I feel for the whole family.

She's unbelievably articulate while in extreme emotional trauma. God bless the family.

My heartfelt condolences to the Judd family. I could feel the pain as she spoke. Such poise and grace during such a difficult time. Your roots are planted firmly. Heal your hearts girls and I pray y'all have the privacy yall deserve

At any moment we can just decide to say I can’t. It’s just heartbreaking no matter what our statuses on this earth we need to understand and we all have emotions and we need an outlet🌸 We cannot judge the situation because we are not perfect but I hope that the family finds peace and understanding

This is so sad had me in tears. I can’t imagine finding my mom like this. Prayers to the family 😢🙏🏼

Heartbreaking!!! She must have been in so much pain. What a lovely tribute from her girls. ♥️♥️♥️

Tears....Ashley thank you for sharing about your Mom ❤️ as hard as it was. You and Wynonna are in my prayers 🙏 ❤️

So brave to share your story. These things need to be brought to light so more people will get help❤

I've been heartbroken and crying for the loss of such a kind, good, loving mother and lady. May she rest in peace and may God bring healing and grace to her family.

It was nice of Ashley to do this at this very difficult time…Sharing her thoughts, the letter, and the harsh manner of the passing…It was nice to see Dianne Sawyer. Haven’t seen her in many years. She’s the same age as Naomi was, 76.

Deepest condolences and prayers for your family 💞🙏

Thank you for sharing, I'm devastated . I pray for you and family 🙏🙏🙏

My Heart Personally Hurts for all the Judds. I know their Pain, as I Lost my Dad to the same Method of Suicide in Nov. 2019 & it's such a Slow Grief. Sending lots of Love & Prayers! 💙🦋💜

Heartbroken for them 💔. I hope that they can heal from this. I’ve never heard anyone describe mental illness as brilliantly as Ashley…it’s definitely a battle between reality and the lie that the illness is telling you. It’s the same for eating disorders.

When someone is at the desperation of committing the act it's not that they are not thinking about their family, it's that they are not thinking rationally at all. You have to understand the pain and anguish that one is experiencing that during that moment you are so desperate to get the pain to stop that you'll do anything to stop it. Only someone who has been there understands that feeling. It's not a selfish act. It's not that she didn't put her children first, that is a misconception. I know because I've been there myself. I'm a multiple attempt suicide survivor. At my first attempt my son was only 5 months old. Does that make me a bad mother, no, that makes me an ill mother. I hate the way people pass judgement. It's a sad debilitating Illness that can affect anybody, it's not discriminative. I feel for her family and I love their compassion caring and understanding. I thank them for being so open and speaking out about suicide when so many people choose to hide their grief. Maybe their transparency will save a life.

U r helping millions people with mental illness, Bless u and your family

Treatment resistant depression is so difficult! Such a beautiful interview. Thank you for sharing your hearts.

Thank you for sharing all of that with us, Ashley. Your mom's lyrics had a deep effect on me as a small child. I have always and will always carry that with me. Much love to you and your family 💜💜

My condolences to you and your family ❤️

Some people are just to beautiful to remain with us here. Prayers and love to this family who are suffering

I listened to Ashley with tears streaming down my face. My love to both Ashley and Wy … and “Pop.”

This made me cry. RIP

My heart is broken. I’m sorry for Pop, Wy , and Ashley. Mama Judd , we love you. You’re with the Angels.

What a brave thing for Ashley to do. She shows us what love truly is - even when it is clear her heart is broken. Being there, finding her mom, I just want to take her in my arms and tell the family this. As much as people think suicide is selfish, it is not. Imagine being in a burning building with no way out except to jump to your death below. The pain is psychological and physical, intolerant with seemingly no end in sight. You don’t want to live because it’s so painful, and you don’t want to die because you don’t want to hurt your family. But the pain gets so bad when you aren’t getting better, that you just feel a constant burden on those around you. That hurts enough to push you out the window because depression really manipulates your brain into believing that they are so much better off without you. The ultimate act is one of selflessness, giving your loved ones the freedom from their worry and concern over you. I hope Winona, Ashley, and Naomi’s family find the peace that they deserve. She sounded like a lovely human being. Love and healing to you all.

I'm so sorry for your loss! You are in my prayers . She was a BEAUTIFUL person on the inside and out.

So very heartbreaking. May she Rest In Peace.