The Judds Open ‘Dream Chasers’ Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame [Pictures]
The Judds were on hand on Wednesday night (Aug. 8) to open their Dream Chasers exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and they took the opportunity to reflect on their complicated relationship with humor and love.
Naomi Judd took the stage first in the rotunda at the Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Music City, after introductory remarks from Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young, who hailed the duo's "steel will and stone talent" before bringing her out. Now 72, Judd retains the quick wit that has been her trademark over the years, but she was mostly serious in her speech, asking the assembled journalists, friends and industry supporters to "think back to what was the turning point in your life ... what was that milestone where everything changed for you, and it would never be the same again?"
Noting that her own milestones had been preserved in the items that were now going on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame — which included old stage clothing, handwritten lyrics and scripts, childhood items, photographs and more — Naomi noted, "There are a lot of mothers that keep stuff: a lock of hair, baby's first tooth, their little baby booties. I just keep every stinkin' thing there is, and you'll see it over in the museum."
Judd paused before comically adding, "I am this close to being a hoarder," drawing a big laugh from the room.
Wynonna Judd also reflected humorously on the mother-daughter duo's unusual journey, throwing in several one-liners about their famously fraught relationship.
"When you're 18 years old, you're supposed to get an apartment, have hangovers and be late on your rent," she said. "And yet, a dream come true — I shared a bus with you," she deadpanned, addressing Naomi directly as the crowd laughed again. Wynonna drew an even bigger laugh when she softly added, "Thank you, God."
She fought back tears during much of her speech, which found her reflecting on how far the Judds had come from poverty in rural Kentucky to worldwide fame.
"We're like an American Dream of what can happen when you choose to believe and take a chance. We moved here and had nothing," she reflected, once again addressing her mother directly. "And you and I sang, and when we did, something miraculous happened."
"It's a pretty crazy ride, you know? It's just a crazy ride," she added, visibly tearing up. "It's a miracle, and God is so good. He's been so gracious and I don't know why. But I know He's been in control of this whole thing."
The Judds: Dream Chasers opens at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Aug. 10, 2018, and runs through July 14, 2019.
See Pictures From the Judds' Hall of Fame Exhibit