Country music artist Wynonna Judd has revealed that the process of creating her upcoming album, *The Hard Truth*, has revitalised her marriage to Cactus Moser. The pair have been married for 14 years, and Judd describes the experience of working on the album together as a journey that deepened their connection. The album is set to be released on October 2, 2023.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Cactus-and-Wynonna-Judd-01-042523-bc904e7543424d3ca9abe3105e060ec1.jpg)
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Judd, 62, spoke about the personal nature of the album and how it helped the couple rediscover their love for one another. “I think we fell in love with each other all over again,” she said, noting that the subjects they tackled in their songwriting required meaningful conversations. “Communication is everything to me,” she added. “That album has brought us together in a way that’s so intimate.”
The creative collaboration between Judd and Moser, who is also 69, has been a significant aspect of their relationship. They co-wrote nine out of the ten songs featured on *The Hard Truth*, with Moser taking on the role of producer as well. Despite facing challenges, Judd finds the trust established between them to be a vital element of her artistic expression.
Judd has long faced her own struggles with perfectionism, often doubting her abilities. However, Moser’s unwavering support has been instrumental in helping her overcome these insecurities. “I’m always struggling through the insecurity of, ‘Oh gosh, I could have done that better,’” she explained. Yet Moser’s reassurance that her performances are valuable in their authenticity has given her the confidence to embrace vulnerability. “We have a partnership that is just glorious,” she emphasised.
The couple’s journey together began in 1989 when Moser’s band, Highway 101, opened for the Judds on tour. Their friendship blossomed over the years, even as Judd experienced two marriages and subsequent divorces before reconnecting with Moser. They became engaged on Christmas Eve in 2011, marking a new chapter in their long-standing relationship.
The themes explored in *The Hard Truth* reflect a range of personal and emotional experiences, from struggles with family to her relationship with her late mother, Naomi Judd. Judd describes the album as “raw and real,” attributing her candidness to her advancing age and the wisdom that comes with it. “I feel an awful lot like I’m walking this really thin line that you can only get away with once in your lifetime. And it’s because I’m older,” she noted. This self-awareness, according to Judd, allows her to tap into a sense of freedom in her music.
Moreover, the album delves into deeply personal topics, including her daughter’s legal troubles, highlighting the challenges she has faced as a mother and artist. Judd reflected on the weight of these experiences, stating, “I just feel so free.” This newfound liberty in her artistry signifies a pivotal moment in her life, as she embraces honesty and vulnerability in her work.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of *The Hard Truth*, Judd’s story serves as a testament to the power of music to heal and strengthen relationships. The upcoming album promises not only to entertain but also to offer insights into the intimate dynamics of Judd and Moser’s enduring partnership.
For those interested in exploring Wynonna Judd’s latest musical venture, the full article will be available in this week’s edition of PEOPLE magazine, which hits newsstands on Friday. Judd’s dedication to her craft and her ability to reflect her personal journey through her music continue to inspire many in the industry and beyond.