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“It’s about damn time” that the Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
On Monday morning (August 16), country icon Reba McEntire hosted a live-streamed announcement via the Country Music Association. She revealed four artists included in the Class of 2021: Eddie Bayers, Ray Charles, Pete Drake and The Judds, mother-daughter duo Naomi and Wynonna.
For the Judds, the induction has been a long time coming.
During the live-streamed announcement, Naomi and Wynonna appeared on a video call. While Naomi acknowledged at first “I don’t know what to say because it’s so crazy,” Wynonna was able to chime in with something:
“As a daughter — 20 years — it’s about damn time. That’s what everyone has said, including relatives. As an artist, it’s wonderful to be included in the family of country…and as a believer, I thank God for my gift, and as an American it’s just wonderful to celebrate anything, to show up and say ‘thank you.’”
The mother-daughter duo continued, reflecting on “what made us resonate” when it came to songwriting, memories with some of country music’s most influential artists — including Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton — and more.
McEntire congratulated the Judds, and couldn’t help but agree with Wynonna:
“Girls, I’m so proud of you, so happy for you. You entertain me on and off stage, always. We’ve been together through thick and thin from the very beginning…back when we were opening the show for Conway Twitty.
“Congratulations, and Wy, I’m with you — it’s about time.”
Watch the 2021 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement here: