Brandi Carlile Pens Heartfelt Tribute To Wynonna Judd

Brandi Carlile penned a heartwarming tribute to Wynonna Judd as the country music icon wrapped up the final performances on her tour, which she headlined in honor of her late mother and duo parter, Naomi Judd.

Carlile was one of many special guests to perform with Judd on The Judds’ “The Final Tour,” along with Martina McBride, Little Big Town, Tanya Tucker (a history-making onstage moment with Judd) and others. Carlile said it took her “a few days to contemplate” Judd’s accomplishments on tour, including in her heartache after losing her mother. Naomi died unexpectedly on April 30. She was 76.

“I still have both my parents.. but one thing I learned by watching [Wynonna Judd] soldier through the loss of her mother and musical partner is that it’s not a gentle change,” Carlile wrote as she shared a series of photos on Instagram. “When someone like Naomi dies there’s a surge of energy like a dying star… and there’s a long lasting bright light that is still very much alive and full of practical energy. Particles of burning dust…. estate planning and funerals, grief mixed with stress…sensationalization, gossip economy, profound insecurity, love, support, music… and for The Judds: The Final Tour. Wynonna sang through all that… she didn’t miss a single show. She cried every night. There has never been a tour like it and there won’t be again.”

“She did her job. Wy celebrated [The Judds] and sorted out her grief with all of us in exactly the same way she has been working through many of her lifes’ incredible challenges since she was a teenager: on stage. She even sang on her knees. And as the fans, we understood the assignment. We showed up for her too. we did our job. It was a joy.”

“All I can think to say to the her incredible band/crew and all my women peers who stood behind Wynonna every night is well done… and aren’t we lucky?” Carlile concluded. “We got to stand in the bright light of a dying star and a new one being born into herself. You nailed it Wynonna. When it gets quiet, call on us ❤️ we love you.”

Judd shared a heartfelt message of her own after she played the final show, posting a photo from one of the performances.

“It’s done, Mama. ❤️,” she wrote. “THANK YOU. Thank you to the fans for lifting me up each night, to every single artist that showed up and offered their voice, to the best band I've ever toured with, and to the crew who worked around the clock to make all of this happen. I will never ever forget this tour! I will say, bye…for now. 🎶✨’It’s been one heck of a ride.’”