Wynonna Fudd Grief, Gratitude & Going Strong at 60

The country music superstar opens up about forging ahead after her mom's death and why she'll never retire

- JAIME HARKIN

During her nearly 50-year career, Wynonna Judd has won five Grammy awards, released 14 No. 1 singles and sold more than 30 million records. She’s performed at the iconic Grand Ole Opry and in 2022, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside her late mom, Naomi, as the mother-daughter music duo The Judds. But despite all the accolades and the legions of fans, the legendary artist remains as down-to-earth as it gets. “During a typical day, I’m wearing my big-butt pajama pants, a big T-shirt and Uggs with my hair in a ponytail and no makeup, walking around my kitchen thinking about what I’m going to make for dinner,” says the 60-year-old star. “I don’t have an extravagant lifestyle.”

Judd is happiest at home on her 1,000-acre Tennessee farm with her husband of 12 years, drummer Cactus Moser, and her granddaughter, Kaliyah. (She’s been caring for the 2-year-old for her daughter, Grace Kelley, 27, who’s been in and out of legal trouble. Judd and ex-husband Arch Kelly III also share son Elijah, 29.) “We sit out on the porch and I eat ice cream with my granddaughter. It’s not a picture-perfect world,” adds Judd, “but the land is healing.”

Here, the country music legend — who kicks off the second leg of her Back to Wy Tour in September — talks about grieving the loss of her mother (Naomi died at the age of 76 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in April 2022 following a long battle with depression), embracing grandmotherhood and the one thing she wishes she could tell her younger self.

You turned 60 in May. How does it feel to be entering this new decade?

For me, 60 means trying to stay mentally fit and getting out there and giving everything I’ve got and having fun. I’m so tired of being hard on myself. I’m learning how to be content.

You look amazing.