The Tennessee Superior Court withdrew a ruling that required police to publicly disclose their investigation of The death of country singer Naomi Judd.
The state Supreme Court has not ruled on whether the records can be released, but has sent the case back to the lower court for another hearing.
Naomi Judd’s family filed a court petition in August to seal police reports and recordings made during the investigation of the the death of the star of the country.
The records contained video and audio interviews with Judd’s relatives after his death. Revealing these details would result in “significant trauma and irreparable harm,” her family said.
NAOMI JUDD’S FAMILY GRANTS COURT ORDER TO KEEP DEATH RECORDS PRIVATE
Judd’s family filed the petition in Williamson County Chancery Court in Tennesseeas the presentation was made on behalf of the late singer’s husband, Larry Strickland, and their daughters Ashley and Wynonna.
The Tennessee Superior Court has withdrawn a ruling that required police to publicly disclose their investigation into the death of country singer Naomi Judd.
(AP Images)
Williamson County Chancellor Joseph A. Woodruff ruled against the Judd family on August 31, denying their request for an injunction to keep the records private while they pursue their legal case. The records “do not appear to fall under any recognized exception to the Public Records Act,” Woodruff found.
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Additionally, the chancellor ruled that specific records in the police file are public records, including body camera footage taken inside Judd’s home. But the Tennessee Supreme Court took issue with that part of the chancellor’s order.
Naomi Judd (center) pictured with her daughters Ashley (left) and Wynonna (right) in 2003.
(Evan Agostini)
The Tennessee superior court announced Thursday that Woodruff should not have determined which specific records are public or private without a full hearing on the issue.
The court overturned Woodruff’s earlier ruling and remanded the case to Chancery Court for a new hearing.
Meanwhile, the daughters of the late country star Wynonna and Ashley Judd reflected on their mother’s legacy ahead of an 11-city tour. Fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute and rejoice to the music of the country legend.
Ashley Judd, left, and Wynonna Judd speak during a tribute to their mother, country music star Naomi Judd, on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. Naomi Judd died on April 30. She was 76 years old. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
(AP Images)
Actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd has dedicated her life to social justice issues, becoming a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.
“I definitely think our advocacy was mutual and reciprocal,” Ashley Judd said. “I know that after many of my more public forums, she would… tell me… that she was captivated by my audacity.”
Wynonna Judd said that fans have become nostalgic for music that gives them fond memories.
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“I think people want something real. I think they want something they can remember,” said Wynonna Judd.
Following her mother’s death, Wynonna Judd said she has been reaching out and seeking help, as well as taking time to grieve alone.
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“I do things that make me feel alive most of the time, and then I call my grief counselor and say, ‘I’m really struggling today…'” Judd said.
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“Communicating is absolutely key, and I’m better at it today…”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.