Dramatic revelation that sounds straight out of a country song, Naomi Judd’s widow, Larry Strickland, has confirmed a pivotal moment from the late singer’s life that would leave anyone speechless. In a recent episode of The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, Strickland opened up about an explosive confrontation with Judd, revealing that she once shot a gun at him after discovering he was cheating.
The episode, which aired Saturday as part of a Lifetime docuseries, showcased a voiceover from Judd’s 1993 memoir Love Can Build a Bridge. In the memoir, she reflects on the deep love she shared with Strickland, but also the heartache caused by his repeated absences. The shocking incident occurred in the 1980s when a woman called their home, professing her love for Strickland. Upon his return, he found Judd tearing up photos and throwing his belongings into a trash bag.
As the docuseries unfolded, Strickland watched a scene where an actress playing Judd shoots an actor playing him after discovering his infidelity. Watching the scene, Strickland paused and simply stated, “Well, it really happened.” His words confirmed that the intense moment was not fictionalized for the show.
Judd and Strickland, who met in 1979 and married a decade later, were together for 33 years before Judd’s tragic death by suicide in 2022. Strickland’s candid admission adds a new layer to the couple’s complex and tumultuous relationship.
In the same episode, Judd’s daughter, Wynonna, shared her perspective on her mother’s tragic passing, hinting at the impact of “generational trauma” on Judd’s mental health. Wynonna described how her mother never fully healed from past emotional wounds, including the loss of her younger brother and the harsh judgment she faced from her own mother. This, she believes, contributed to Judd’s emotional struggles later in life.
The Judd Family: Truth Be Told continues to explore the raw and deeply personal aspects of the family’s journey. You can catch the next episode on Lifetime, airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.
For those struggling with mental health challenges, help is available. In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Helpline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), offering free, confidential support 24/7.
