Naomi Judd (born Diana Ellen Judd on January 11, 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky) is an American country music singer and songwriter.
Together with her daughter, Wynonna Judd, she formed the highly successful singing duo known as The Judds, after ending her career as a nurse. Her second daughter, Ashley Judd, is a film and stage actress.
Naomi first expressed this passion of communication as half of country music's most famous mother/daughter team, The Judds. There, she also first captured national attention during the duo's rise.
Their popularity earned them 20 top 10 hits (including 15 #1s) and kept them undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country music awards shows. In addition, the duo won 5 Grammys and a vast array of other awards and honors. As a songwriter, Naomi also won a Grammy for "Country Song of the Year" with the Judds' smash hit "Love Can Build A Bridge".
In 1991, after selling over 20 million albums and videos in seven years and at the pinnacle of their career, The Judds' reign came to an abrupt end.
Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a potentially fatal chronic liver disease that forced her retirement. Their duet ended on a high note when their "Farewell" tour was the top grossing act and their farewell concert was the most successful musical event in cable pay-per view history.
Naomi has since stepped out of the spotlight to explore paths that have led to new endeavors. Today, she says that she is completely cured of the Hepatitis C virus, and uses the strength of her own experiences as spokesperson for the America Liver Foundation.
In 1991, Naomi created the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund, using her household name and personal time to raise awareness of the deadly Hepatitis C virus as well as research funds for the American Liver Foundation.
Naomi also expresses her energy on humanitarian activities, social issues and personal growth education. She has spoken at conventions, seminars and high profile summits as well as numerous media awareness campaigns and Capitol Hill hearings.
In November 2005, Naomi began to host a talk show, "Naomi's New Morning", on Sunday mornings on the Hallmark Channel.
She is a registered Republican, but her daughters are not.
