Wynonna Judd Opens Up About Why She and Sister Ashley Are 'Taking a Break' After Years of Being Distant

The country singer has explained why the sisters rarely see each other, despite once living on the same property. She also revealed whether she expects their relationship to change.

Wynonna Judd has confirmed that she and her younger sister, actress Ashley Judd, are not currently "connected," four years after their mother Naomi Judd's death.

In an exclusive interview with People, the 62-year-old country singer discussed her relationship with Ashley, 58, and whether they might reconnect.

Their mother, country music legend Naomi, died by suicide in 2022. However, the sisters' limited communication dates back years before her death.

Wynonna also revealed that Ashley had not listened to her deeply personal album, "The Hard Truth," released on October 2.

Even Living on the Same Property Couldn't Bring the Sisters Closer

Wynonna previously discussed their relationship in an interview with host Dan Rather, shared by AXS TV in April 2025.

Rather noted that the family lived on the same farm property but maintained separate homes. He asked why the sisters seldom saw each other despite living so close.

Wynonna acknowledged that their arrangement might seem unusual. "It is. All families are weird and they have their set of circumstances," she said.

The singer also described how little she and Ashley had in common beyond their family circumstances. "She and I are very different. We don't communicate, nor do we spend time together," Wynonna told Rather.

Their Distance Goes Back to a Time Wynonna Still Remembers

Wynonna recalled being separated from Ashley when they were teenagers. According to the report, their family struggled financially during their childhood. Wynonna often cared for Ashley while their mother worked.

The sisters have different biological fathers, and Wynonna described becoming independent of the family at a young age.

During her conversation with Rather, Wynonna recalled how their relationship changed during their teenage years. "And that's a long history of being apart," she said.

Wynonna recalled being away from Ashley when she was 18, and Ashley was 14. She also believed her early independence had been necessary.

What's Keeping Them Apart

In her latest interview, Wynonna addressed where she and Ashley stand following their mother's death. The singer described their current arrangement. "We're taking a break, which all families can relate to. She's doing her thing, and I'm doing mine."

When asked about their current relationship, Wynonna said there was no particular disagreement behind the distance. "She just travels a lot. She's always gone," Wynonna explained. "It's nothing specific."

Although Wynonna Judd and Ashley are not currently in contact, the country singer has not ruled out rebuilding their relationship. When asked whether she believes they will reconnect, Wynonna had a clear answer: "absolutely."