The Judd Family: Truth Be Told is a four-episode documentary that gives a personal and emotional look into the lives of Larry Strickland, Ashley Judd, and Wynonna Judd after the heartbreaking loss of Naomi Judd. It first aired on Saturday, May 10, and dives into stories and memories that the family had kept private while Naomi was still alive.
Naomi Judd died by suicide in April 2022 after years of struggling with depression. She had spoken openly about her mental health in the past, and even during her time performing with Wynonna, the mother-daughter duo shared some of their struggles with the public. Still, there were many things the Judd family never spoke about—until now.
This new documentary shares deeply personal stories, including Naomi’s tough childhood, her mental health battles, and the challenges of being in the public eye. Wynonna, Ashley, and Larry open up in a way that feels honest and respectful. Here are some of the most touching and surprising things we learned from The Judd Family: Truth Be Told.
Naomi Craved the Spotlight, But Not for the Reasons People Think
Ashley Judd explained that Naomi’s love for attention had more to do with needing to feel worthy than with ego.
“It wasn’t about ego and grandiosity and self-importance. It was actually something more humble than that. It was about basic self-worth. There was a validation to her very existence that she received when people acknowledged her.”
Later in the documentary, Wynonna said Naomi didn’t always believe in her own talent, so she focused on her looks instead.
“I became Elvis and she became Dolly.”
A Shocking Past: Naomi Once Pulled a Gun on Her Husband
One of the most surprising moments in the series comes when a scene from a 1995 biopic shows Naomi pointing a gun at her husband, Larry Strickland, after finding out he had cheated on her. In the scene, Naomi answers a call from another woman claiming she loves Larry, and things escalate quickly.
When asked if the scene was accurate, Larry simply said:
“Well, it really happened. That’s all I can say. That’s all I want to say. It happened.”
Wynonna Believes Her Mother’s Childhood Pain Played a Role in Her Death
Naomi had a difficult relationship with her parents. When she became pregnant with Wynonna as a teenager, her family didn’t support her. Ashley said Naomi came home from school one day to find the front door locked. Her parents didn’t speak to her again until after Wynonna was born.
Naomi’s brother, Christopher, added that their mother was very strict and Naomi never felt good enough. Even after Naomi became famous, her mother never seemed to show her love or approval.
This painful family history stayed with Naomi throughout her life and affected the way she raised Wynonna. The pressure Naomi felt growing up and later as a performer often spilled over into her relationship with her daughter.
Naomi Sometimes Embellished Their Life Story
The Judds’ former manager said Naomi often exaggerated the truth during interviews.
“Each time she would go to a radio station or do a newspaper interview, it was just so hard for her to not embellish their biography – Where they had stayed. Was it in a real cabin without electricity … each time the story changed and became enhanced.”
In one clip, Naomi claims she doesn’t own a toaster, mixer, or dishwasher. Wynonna, sitting next to her, reacts with a look that clearly shows she knows that’s not true.
“I think mom knew that I had her number. There was part of me that would look at her and go, really? I had to go through media training. I was trained how to not roll my eyes.”
Wynonna said she often stayed quiet in interviews because her mom would take over the story.
“Mom is the most colorful character in the story. She was always the one that got quoted in the news.”
Wynonna Reveals She Was Abused as a Child
One of the most emotional moments in the documentary is when Wynonna opens up about being abused at age 12. The experience made her want to hide herself and dress in a way that wouldn’t attract attention.
“I mean, if you look at the clothes of The Judds, my clothes are up to here and here, like Amish. I’m Amish, basically. I’m wearing clothes to cover, not expose — to this day.”
She turned to food for comfort, which caused even more tension between her and Naomi. Their producer, Don Potter, said Naomi felt that Wynonna’s weight hurt their image.
“They would lock themselves in the back of the bus, screaming and yelling at each other. Several times we had to cancel shows because Wynonna had stripped her voice.”
Wynonna also shared that her mom used to say she could be a pop star if she just lost 20 pounds.
Other Emotional Moments from the Series
- Larry Strickland hears Naomi sing solo for the first time.
- Ashley talks about her final conversation with Naomi and the moment she discovered her mom had harmed herself.
- Wynonna explains why she distanced herself from Naomi in 2011.
- Wynonna reveals how she learned that the man she thought was her father wasn’t.
Is the Documentary Worth Watching?
Fans of the Judds will find this documentary both heartbreaking and powerful. While it doesn’t sugarcoat the hard moments, it tells their story with care and love. For many, it deepens their understanding of Naomi and shows the strength of the family she left behind.
The Judd Family: Truth Be Told honors Naomi’s legacy and explores the pain she carried, the love she gave, and the complicated bonds between her and her daughters. It helps explain how her childhood trauma, family struggles, and desire for fame shaped who she became.
The documentary can be watched on Lifetime through streaming services, YouTube Premium, or Apple TV.
