Wynonna Judd has openly discussed her daughter Grace Pauline Kelley’s ongoing struggle with addiction, claiming that Kelley is “not sober.”
This revelation came during a recent appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, where Judd reflected on her daughter’s tumultuous battle with substance abuse and the impact it has had on their relationship. Judd’s comments follow Kelley’s claim to The Daily Progress last year that she had achieved sobriety after a 2024 arrest for stealing a church van.
The Long Road of Addiction
In the podcast, Judd described her years of effort in dealing with Kelley’s addiction, which includes sending her to various recovery programs and attending support meetings together. She noted the profound realization that her financial support could inadvertently enable Kelley’s drug use, leading her to pull back. “I realized that I’m actually helping her get drugs by buying her another new car,” Judd stated, emphasizing the indirect role she may have played in her daughter’s ongoing struggles.
Judd highlighted the emotional turmoil stemming from having watched Kelley battle addiction for over a decade, describing it as a “nightmarish” journey that culminated in her decision to cut off financial assistance a year and a half ago. “I finally get it… I could have been the reason she died,” she reflected, acknowledging the toll of trying to navigate this complex relationship.
Family Tensions and Responsibilities
The relationship took a more complicated turn when Kelley accused Judd’s ex-husband of sexual abuse during her childhood, claims that have surfaced in past interviews. Judd’s efforts to address these allegations through family counseling instead of public disclosure have also been a source of contention between mother and daughter.
As Wynonna Judd continues to grapple with her daughter’s challenges, the country music community watches closely, hopeful for a breakthrough in their relationship and for Kelley’s recovery journey.