Ashley Judd Shares Personal Insights in New Judd Family Documentary: “Discovering My Mother”

Within the intimate Lifetime docuseries, The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, Ashley Judd shares heartfelt reflections on the complex legacy left by her mother, Naomi Judd. She provides moving insights into her family’s journey through fame, their challenges with mental health, and the often hidden pain that accompanied their public achievements.

In her first significant televised discussion, Ashley openly discusses her reasons for not joining The Judds, her experience of finding Naomi’s body, and the subsequent healing process.

“I chose not to be in the band because I wanted to pursue my education, which was difficult for my mom to accept,” Ashley explains in the documentary. “She desired for the three of us to remain united, but I needed to establish my own identity.” Her statements highlight the emotional struggle between pursuing her individual goals and staying loyal to her family.

Ashley opens up with raw honesty about April 30, 2022 — the day her mother died by suicide at age 76. “I walked into her bedroom and I found her,” she recounts through tears. “I have both grief and trauma from that day.” Her voice becomes a grounding element of the series, humanizing a story that has often been tabloid fodder.

She also addresses the swirling rumors of a family feud, particularly over Naomi’s will. “Wynonna and I are not fighting,” she insists. “We’ve had disagreements, like all sisters do, but the idea that we’re in some sort of war over our mother’s estate is just false. In fact, we’ve become closer.”

Wynonna echoes that sentiment in the docuseries, saying: “I love my sister. I will always love my sister. And we are united in grief.” Their mutual support is portrayed as one of the documentary’s most powerful through-lines.

Ashley also talks about growing up in a home with a parent battling depression and the lasting impact it had on her. “She was fragile, and yet she was also so strong,” Ashley says of Naomi. “There was so much more to her than people saw on stage. That’s why telling the truth now matters.”

Throughout The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, Ashley Judd’s voice emerges as both protector and truth-teller — someone committed to honoring her mother’s legacy while facing the full complexity of it. Her reflections invite viewers to move beyond the headlines and into a deeper, more compassionate understanding of Naomi Judd’s life, loss, and the family she left behind.

The four-episode event began on Saturday, May 10, only on Lifetime.