Ashley Judd is talking about mental health, getting help and the death of her mother, Naomi Judd.
On April 30, the actress took to Instagram to share the tragic news that her mother, Naomi Judd, one half of the Grammy-winning duo, The Judds, was lost "to the disease of mental illness." Naomi Judd died just one day before her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In an emotional conversation with ABC News' Diane Sawyer, the actress said she wanted to speak before things “become public without our control.”
“We’re aware that although grieving the loss of a wife and a mother, we are, in an uncanny way, a public family,” Judd said. “So that’s really the impetus for this timing. Otherwise, it’s obviously way too soon. So that’s important for us to say up front.”
MORE: Country music stars mourn passing of legend Naomi Judd
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. You can reach Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 (U.S.) or 877-330-6366 (Canada) and The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.
Coping with loss
Nearly two weeks since her mother’s death, Judd, and her sister, Wynonna Judd, who made up the other half of The Judds, have been coping with their loss. And while the topic is still sensitive for each of them to speak about, in the midst of their grief, Ashley Judd reiterated how important it is for her and her family to maintain their mother’s dignity.
“There are some things that we would just like to retain as a family,” she said. "Both sister and Pop [Judd’s stepfather Larry Strickland] have sort of deputized me in certain ways to speak on behalf of the family at this early time before things about the 30th of April become public without our control."
“There are many places to begin,” Judd continued. “I think that I would start with -- my mother knew that she was seen and she was heard in her anguish. And that she was walked home.”
“When we’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important and -- to be clear, and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease,” she added. “It’s very real -- and it’s enough to -- it lies. It’s savage.”
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