For 23 years, country music superstar Naomi Judd, and Larry Strickland were husband and wife. Larry was always by her side. However, as Strickland revealed during her public memorial, he was “scared to death” for Naomi during the last days of her life.
While talking about his beloved bride, Strickland revealed that she had to travel from Vienna, Austria, to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the Country Music Hall of Fame ceremony where she and her daughter were being honored. Strickland knew his wife was in a fragile state and worried about her flying alone.
Naomi Judd’s Husband Reveals Why He Was ‘Scared to Death’ Days Before Her Passing
“I was really scared to death about her flying alone all the way from Vienna back to Nashville [because] I knew how fragile she was,” Strickland said. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Naomi Judd passed away on April 30, just one day before she and Wynonna Judd were set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
As her youngest daughter, actress Ashley Judd revealed, it was she who found her mother after Naomi took her own life. “She used a weapon,” Ashley told Sawyer on Good Morning America. “A firearm. So that’s the piece of information we are very uncomfortable sharing.”
“It was a mixed day. I visit with my mom and pop every day when I’m home in Tennessee, so I was at the house visiting as I am every day. Mom said to me, ‘Will you stay with me?’ and I said, ‘Of course, I will.’… I went upstairs to let her know that her good friend was there and I discovered her. I have both grief and trauma from discovering her.”
As Strickland continued, he revealed that he received a message from someone who met Naomi on the flight she was on to Nashville. “It’s a small comfort, I’m sure, but my life seems a lot richer after meeting your wife, however briefly,” Strickland said the email read.
“Obviously, I didn’t know Naomi at all, but I can tell you she spoke highly and warmly of you and the life you shared together. Rest assured, she loved you and had no qualms about telling me, a stranger on a plane, that was so.”
Naomi’s husband admitted that the email did give him “great, great pleasure and comfort.” However, the conversation didn’t surprise Strickland one bit.
RELATED: Ashley Judd Shares Emotional New Statement With Details of How Mom Naomi Judd Died
“Namoi never met a stranger,” he admitted. “Much to my displeasure, she would start a conversation with anyone who made eye contact with her, and we would end up standing 10, 20, 30 minutes on a sidewalk while she talked to a complete stranger about their passions and their dog.” And that is how Naomi Judd will always be remembered.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for help at any time.
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