In a recent issue of PEOPLE magazine, American country music artist Wynonna Judd has shared her heartfelt reflections on the passing of her close friend, the legendary Dolly Parton. Parton, who succumbed to cancer on August 25 at the age of 80, occupied a significant space in Judd’s life, and the loss has left her grappling with denial over the death of someone she regarded as family.
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Judd, now 62, expressed her disbelief during an exclusive interview, stating, “I feel like Dolly was plucked out of the air. I just feel like she just disappeared. And I’m still in denial.” This emotional struggle with grief is underscored by her assertion that she remains stuck in the denial stage, one of the five recognised stages of grief.
For the interview, Judd donned a t-shirt emblazoned with Parton’s smiling likeness, a constant reminder of her dear friend. “I wear this shirt every day,” Judd noted, highlighting the profound impact Parton had on her life. The singer also outlined her plans to honour Parton’s memory through small acts of love and style, saying, “Well, wear the shirt, jack the hair, be sparkly as much as possible, and be kind.” She reminisced about how Parton always valued punctuality, another trait Judd aims to embrace.
Reflecting on their relationship, Judd recalled a poignant moment when Parton supported her during a challenging time. When Judd’s mother, Naomi Judd, tragically passed away in 2022, Parton reached out to her. “She showed up for me, came in the dressing room,” Judd said, recalling the kindness of her friend. “She just looked right into my eyes and said, ‘I love you very much.’ Could not have been kinder, more present and more loving.”
Judd’s admiration for Parton began in her childhood in Ashland, Kentucky, where she grew up listening to her music. Before rising to fame in the early 1980s as part of the country duo The Judds alongside her mother, she would often sing Parton’s songs. Their musical paths later intertwined, resulting in a close-knit friendship forged through shared experiences in the industry.
As they both rose to prominence, Parton and the Judds developed a sisterly bond. Parton acknowledged this connection in an Instagram tribute following Naomi’s death, stating, “I have always loved Ashley, Wynonna and Naomi. They’ve always been like sisters to me.” This sense of family extended beyond music, enveloping their personal lives and mutual support.
In the aftermath of Parton’s passing, Judd expressed her deep sense of loss on social media, declaring, “To imagine a world without @dollyparton is almost unthinkable. The mark she left on music, our culture, and the human spirit is greater than any of us could ever hope to leave behind.” She further conveyed the enormity of Parton’s influence, not just on her own life, but on millions who felt touched by her artistry.
Judd’s latest album, titled *The Hard Truth*, is set for release on October 2, and it appears to be influenced by her recent experiences and emotions. As she navigates her grief, the album serves as a reflection of her journey, capturing the essence of her friendships and the memories of those she loves.
For fans of Wynonna Judd and Dolly Parton, the interview provides a poignant glimpse into their relationship, illustrating how deeply the bonds of friendship can shape and endure, even through heartbreak. The forthcoming album promises to be more than just a collection of songs; it stands as a testament to love, legacy, and the enduring spirit of one of music’s brightest stars.
For a more in-depth look at Wynonna Judd’s thoughts and feelings regarding her late friend, readers can check out the full interview available in the current issue of PEOPLE magazine. The publication will also include additional insights into Judd’s forthcoming album and her artistic evolution.