After Naomi Judd’s Death, Her Husband Reveals a Shocking Hidden Truth

Naomi Judd’s passing in 2022 stunned the world, but what her husband Larry Strickland has recently disclosed sheds new light on the private struggles behind the public image.

For over thirty years, Larry stood by Naomi through fame, health battles, and emotional turmoil, yet the truth he now shares reveals a marriage marked by pain, fear, and moments of deep crisis few ever knew about.

This is the story of a woman beloved by millions who fought silent battles until the very end.

Naomi and Larry’s story began in 1979 at a Nashville music event.

Naomi, then a nurse raising her two daughters alone after a difficult divorce, was far from the star she would become.

Larry, a gospel singer with a prestigious background including tours with Elvis Presley, shared her passion for music.

Their personalities complemented each other—Naomi’s fiery determination balanced by Larry’s quiet steadiness—and after a decade of dating, they married in 1989.

By then, Naomi had risen to country music stardom as half of The Judds, alongside her daughter Winona.

The duo captured hearts with their harmonies and powerful performances, winning multiple Grammys.

Yet, the pressures of fame, relentless touring, and management demands weighed heavily on Naomi.

Alongside her success, she faced a devastating hepatitis C diagnosis in 1990, forcing her to retire at her career’s peak.

Larry remained supportive, but the strain of Naomi’s illness and the upheaval in their lives created tension.

Naomi shifted her focus to television, writing, and advocacy, yet the emotional distance in their marriage grew.

Private struggles simmered beneath the surface, and Larry recalls a moment that would forever change their relationship.

While Larry was away on tour, Naomi received a shocking phone call from a woman claiming to be in love with him.

The conversation shattered Naomi’s trust.

When Larry returned, he found their home in disarray—wedding photos torn, belongings thrown outside—and Naomi holding a gun.

In a moment of overwhelming pain, she fired the weapon at him.

The bullet missed, but the emotional wounds ran deep.

Larry chose not to involve the authorities, instead retreating for a time to allow healing.

The incident remained a secret for decades, concealed to protect their family and public image.

Only recently, in a 2025 documentary and interviews, did Larry confirm this harrowing event, describing it as a desperate cry born from Naomi’s profound emotional suffering rather than malice.

Behind the scenes, Naomi wrestled with severe mental health issues—depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders—that worsened over the years.

Despite treatments including electroconvulsive therapy and inpatient care, her condition deteriorated, leading to isolation and confusion in her final years.

Video footage from that time reveals a woman struggling to hold onto herself amidst the darkness.

Naomi’s childhood, marked by poverty and her mother’s mental illness, cast long shadows over her life.

Her daughters, Winona and Ashley, have spoken candidly about the emotional distance within their family, despite public appearances of closeness.

The pressures of Naomi’s rising fame often left them feeling disconnected and alone.

The heartbreak deepened after Naomi’s death when it was revealed that her entire $25 million estate was left to Larry, excluding her daughters.

This revelation sparked public speculation about family tensions.

Winona expressed love and respect for her mother’s choices, focusing on healing, while Ashley shared her own struggles with feelings of abandonment and emotional pain.

Larry Strickland has since stepped forward as an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his journey caring for Naomi through her illness and mourning her loss.

He expresses regret for not recognizing the depth of her suffering sooner and hopes that by speaking out, others facing similar battles will find understanding and support.

Naomi Judd’s legacy is one of immense talent and resilience shadowed by hidden pain.

Her story reminds us that behind the brightest lights, silent struggles often go unseen.

Larry’s confession opens a window into the complexities of love, mental illness, and the courage it takes to endure.

Through heartbreak and healing, the Judd family continues to honor Naomi’s memory and raise awareness for those fighting their own battles in silence.