Wynonna Judd’s Biography: Age, Daughter, Parents, Songs, Net Worth, Filmography

Wynonna Judd, originally Christina Claire, is an American country music singer and songwriter. She gained fame in the 1980s as part of the mother-daughter duo The Judds with her mother, Naomi Judd. The duo released seven albums and 26 singles, 14 of which topped the charts. 

In 1992, Wynonna achieved her first number-one album on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. She has a total of 19 number-one singles, including those with The Judds. In 2023, she was honored as the best country music artist at the “People’s Choice Country Awards.”

Profile

• Full Name: Christina Claire Ciminella
• Nickname: Wynonna Judd
• Date of Birth: May 30, 1964
• Age: 60 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of Birth: Ashland, Kentucky, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, actress
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
• Parents: Charles Jordan and Naomi Judd
• Siblings: Ashley Judd (half-sister)
• Spouse: Arch Kelley III (m. 1996; div. 1998), D.R. Roach (m. 2003; div. 2007)
• Children: Elijah Judd, Grace Judd
• Relationship Status: Divorced
• Net Worth: $25 million 

Early Life and Education

Wynonna Judd, now 60, was born on May 30, 1964, in Ashland, Kentucky. In Ashland, Wynonna was originally named Christina Claire Ciminella. Her mother, Naomi Judd, was previously known as Diana and had married Michael Ciminella after being abandoned by Charles Jordan, Wynonna’s biological father. Jordan passed away in 2000. 

Naomi Judd and Michael Ciminella had another daughter named Ashley before divorcing in 1972. Inspired by her mother’s love for country music, Wynonna learned to play guitar. The family moved to Nashville in 1979 to pursue musical careers.

There, Naomi legally changed her name to Naomi. Wynonna adopted her stage name from the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”, which references the town of Winona, Arizona.

Personal Life

In 1996, Wynonna and businessman Arch Kelley III had a son before getting married to Elijah. They later had a second child but divorced in 1998. Wynonna then married her former bodyguard, D. R. Roach, in 2003 but filed for divorce in 2007 after he was arrested for sexual assault of a child.

She also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss her struggle with food dependence. She later made a second appearance to talk about her weight loss and improved relationships with her parents. 

She also served as a judge for the Independent Music Awards and married drummer Scott “Cactus” Moser in 2012. Unfortunately, Moser was involved in a severe motorcycle accident in 2012, resulting in the amputation of his left leg. In 2018, Wynonna’s daughter Grace was sentenced to 8 years in prison for drug-related charges.

Career

On January 27, 1992, Wynonna made her solo television debut at the American Music Awards, performing “She Is His Only Need,” the first single from her self-titled solo debut album.

The album Wynonna was produced by Tony Brown and released in 1992 via MCA/Curb. “She Is His Only Need” reached number one on the Billboard country singles charts, along with the album’s next two singles, “I Saw the Light” and “My Strongest Weakness.” 

“No One Else on Earth” was also a top country song of 1992, according to Billboard Year-End. The album shipped five million copies in the United States, earning a 5× Multi-Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Her second album, Tell Me Why, released in 1993, produced five consecutive Top Ten hits on the country charts and included the successful crossover hit “Tell Me Why.” 

She also collaborated with Clint Black on the single “A Bad Goodbye,” which became her biggest pop hit at No. 43. Additionally, Wynonna made appearances on tribute albums and sang duet vocals on pop-Christian singer Michael English’s debut single, “Healing.”

In The Magic School Bus cartoon, Judd lent her voice to the rock star Molly Cule and appeared as the owner of Green Puppy on Blue’s Clues in 1999.

During the fifth season of Touched by an Angel, she made a guest appearance as a singer whose son was suffering from cystic fibrosis. Judd also guest starred on the show Hope & Faith in 2005, playing the mean and wealthy Cynthia role in the episode “Wife Swap: Part 1 and Part 2“. 

Additionally, in October 2005, she performed “It’s About Love” for the VeggieTales episode Lord of the Beans. In 2006, Judd hosted the fourth season of USA Network’s Nashville Star. In 2007, she was featured in a special television event on NBC called “Wynonna: A Tribute on Ice,” honoring her 23-year career. 

She also appeared as herself on the NBC sitcom Kath & Kim. Furthermore, in August 2009, she appeared as herself on the 10th anniversary of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and in May 2010, she guest starred as herself on season 4, episode 6 of Lifetime’s Army Wives.

In November 2020, Judd played the supporting character Marilyn Jinway in the Hallmark Television film A Nashville Christmas Carol. 

Additionally, on April 10, 2011, the Judds were featured in their six-episode reality documentary series on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The series showcased their daily lives as they prepared for and embarked on tour while also highlighting their efforts to strengthen their bond.

Awards

• Grammy Awards: 5 wins
• Academy of Country Music Awards: 7 wins
• Country Music Association Awards: 2 wins
• American Music Awards: 3 wins

Net Worth

Wynonna Judd’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million, all thanks to a lucrative career in the entertainment industry.

Controversy

Wynonna Judd faced criticism after her performance at the 2023 CMA Awards, during which she held onto her duet partner Jelly Roll during their song “Need a Favor.” Some fans expressed concern about her behavior, speculating that she may have been experiencing vertigo. 

Judd later addressed these concerns on social media, explaining that she was nervous and held onto Jelly Roll to support him. She also mentioned feeling dizzy and dehydrated, which was a new experience for her.

Social Media

• Instagram: @wynonnajudd
• Twitter: @Wynonna

Filmography

• The Judds: Love Can Build a Bridge
• Touched by an Angel
• Someone Like You…

Discography

• Wynonna
• Tell Me Why
• Revelations
• What the World Needs Now Is Love

Books

• Coming Home to Myself (2005)