Naomi Judd died by suicide, daughter Ashley Judd confirms

The Grammy-winning country musician Naomi Judd died last month after shooting herself, her daughter, the actor Ashley Judd, said on Thursday.

Ashley said she understood the public would know her mother died by her own hand once an autopsy was released, but wanted to be in control of the news.

It was one day before Naomi and Wynonna were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

She added that her mother had both resources and support in her battle with depression.

Despite this, Ashley said, her mother became unable to cope.

They were at the peak of their powers when, in 1991, doctors diagnosed Naomi with hepatitis. In a 2017 interview, she recounted how her mental state declined significantly after she stopped performing.

Naomi wrote a book called River of Time: My Descent Into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope.

Born Diana Ellen Judd in Ashland, Kentucky, Naomi was a nurse when she and Wynonna started singing together, blending unique harmonies with acoustic music, bluegrass and blues.