CMT will air the star-studded tribute live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sunday.
Performances, special appearances and heartfelt messages from family members, friends and admirers will highlight Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration, a special tribute set to air live and commercial-free from Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium at 6 pm ET Sunday on CMT and Sandbox Live. An encore presentation will air at 10 pm ET Sunday exclusively on CMT.
The program will honor the extraordinary life and legacy of country music icon Naomi Judd, who died April 30. A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public, and can be requested here.
Hosted by Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and close friend of the Judd family, A River of Time Celebration will feature performances by an all-star lineup featuring Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town, The Gaithers, Emmylou Harris and Allison Russell. Also on the agenda: Messages from Naomi’s closest friends and longtime fans, including Bono, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey and Salma Hayek.
Wynonna and Ashley Judd, Naomi’s daughters, Martina McBride and other notables will make special appearances, while Carly Pearce and Cody Alan will serve as co-hosts for CMT, providing commentary throughout the night. Larry Strickland, Naomi’s husband, also is scheduled to be in attendance.
“We are sincerely privileged to work alongside Wynonna, Ashley, and Larry to present this live celebration of life for their mother and wife Naomi,” CMT producers said in a prepared statement. “While we all continue to deeply mourn the loss of such a legendary artist, we are honored to commemorate her legacy alongside the country community, her friends, family, and legions of fans across the world at the perfect venue: The Mother Church of Country Music.
“This special will celebrate her timeless voice, unforgettable spirit, and the immense impact she left on our genre through the best form of healing we have — music.”
CMT previously aired Naomi and Wynonna Judd’s final performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge” — their 1990 international hit single as the Grammy Award-winning duo The Judds — from the 2022 CMT Music Awards.
