During the deeply moving Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration held at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, Wynonna Judd offered a final farewell to her mother with a soul-stirring performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge.” The song, one of The Judds’ most cherished anthems, held special weight—it was the last piece Wynonna and Naomi performed together at the CMT Music Awards in April 2022, just weeks before Naomi’s passing.
As Wynonna reached the final notes, a powerful and unexpected moment unfolded. The guest artists and audience below began to sing along, their voices rising in unison to form a chorus of love and remembrance. The music surrounded Wynonna like a warm embrace, turning her sorrow into strength and transforming the tribute into a shared act of healing.
The evening was not only a personal tribute, but a collective one. The celebration of Naomi’s life drew a constellation of stars, with appearances from Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Emmylou Harris, Little Big Town, and notable figures including Oprah Winfrey and Bono—all gathered to honor a woman whose voice and spirit forever changed country music.
A year later, Wynonna returned to the CMT Music Awards stage to perform again in her mother’s honor—an artist continuing a legacy, a daughter still building bridges through song.
