Larry Strickland, widow of Naomi Judd, shared that the country music icon once shot at him after discovering his infidelity during their marriage.
In a new docuseries titled “Judd Family: The truth is told,” Strickland, 79, reflected on the 1995 TV film “Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge,” which is based on real events and portrays a tense scene featuring him and Judd.
“That really happened,” Strickland recounted in the documentary. “That’s all I can say. It happened,” he reiterated, emphasizing the seriousness of the moment.
The docuseries also includes commentary from Judd’s 1993 memoir, where she described their relationship as a “rough, crazy, passionately in love” experience, despite Strickland often being away from home.
Interestingly, Judd recounted a time when a woman from the Northeast called their Nashville home in the ’80s, expressing feelings of love and loss for Strickland.
Upon his return home, it’s alleged that Judd reacted by tearing up photos and tossing his belongings into a trash bag outside.
Strickland and Judd first crossed paths in 1979 and married a decade later. They remained together until Judd’s tragic passing from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in April 2022.
Later that year, Strickland described Judd’s final months as “confusing,” indicating that her struggles with mental health were profound.
“It was very hard,” he remarked about her declining energy and reliance on therapists during her battles with depression and anxiety. He confessed that he didn’t realize the extent of her struggles until it was too late.
“I feel like I might have gone too far,” he said, reflecting on his efforts to support her with nutrition and exercise while managing her medication. He wished he could have been more comforting, hoping that his presence might have made a difference.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
