Despite her struggles, Naomi Judd will always be a symbol of Kentuckians’ strength

Though the country continues to mourn the death of beloved country star Naomi Judd, for Kentucky, this loss hits especially close to home – her home. In the 1980’s, the mother-daughter duo known as The Judds wooed the nation with their harmonies in songs like “Why Not Me” and “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain.” Their music hearkened back to the beauty of rural Kentucky life with strong values of family and religion. Yet at the same time, the two gave a voice to the struggles many Kentuckians continue to face even to this today. Their #1 charting single “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)” used family as a focal point to wax nostalgic for an easier time while also referencing their own life as a non-traditional family. As they sang “did daddies really never go away,” listeners were reminded of the years Naomi struggled as a single mother.

At the age of 18, Naomi’s boyfriend abandoned her while she was pregnant with their daughter Wynonna. Then, after an eight-year marriage to her second daughter Ashley Judd’s father, Naomi was left to raise her two children alone, making ends meet as a nurse until eventually rising to musical stardom. Naomi’s life seemed like it was everything that didn’t go together. How could she be a teenage mother, a working woman, and a single parent all while upholding strong family values? In a state with the sixth-highest teenage birth rate, Naomi’s story wasn’t so unusual here in Kentucky. Though she didn’t outright preach it, she showed that a family doesn’t have to be mother, father, and children– it’s love in whatever form that takes, and her music reflected that.

Music is the one form of communication that can’t be interrupted, surpassing one’s pride, preconceived notions, and public persona. You can’t argue with it. You just have to listen. And when The Judds sang, everyone listened. Despite the stigma of pregnancy out of wedlock and single motherhood, the world fell in love with Naomi. They didn’t see her as some hillbilly heathen. She was a loving mother and a successful woman. It was with music that Naomi was able to dictate how she was seen, and through that, tell the story of many Kentuckians. She was struggle and excellence and faults and success all rolled into a sparkling, rhinestone package.

But even when music was no longer an option, Naomi continued to give her story to the world. In 2016, she bravely opened up about her debilitating struggle with depression. According to the CDC, Kentucky has the fifth highest rate of depression in the country. Our state is steeped in pride, and for very good reason. But that pride has cost us so much, leading to judgment for those who struggle with their mental health and allowing this issue to fester inside those suffering from the disease of depression. When Naomi revealed she grappled with depression, hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians were no longer alone. Naomi created an avenue for people to talk about depression without fear of personal judgment. Her battles were those of ours, and by being so open and honest despite the fear of ridicule, she was able to create a conversation about the struggles of Kentuckians across the world.

For all the troubles she faced, however, Naomi Judd will not be remembered as damaged or broken, because that’s not who she was. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and love for her family. For for all the low points, there were twice as many highs, and that is what Kentucky saw ourself most in her. Though she’s no longer with us, Naomi’s life and legacy will live on in her timeless music. It’s heartbreaking to say goodbye, but we may find a bit of solace knowing that no matter where those airwaves play, Naomi’s voice will always echo back to Kentucky.

Ryan Lark is a music enthusiast, environmentalist, and writer in Lexington, Kentucky.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Other resources can be found at National Alliance on Mental Illness.