Early Life and Education of Wynonna Judd: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Wynonna Judd. A timeline of key moments.

Wynonna Judd is a highly successful American country music singer. Rising to fame in the 1980s as half of the mother-daughter duo The Judds with her mother Naomi, she achieved widespread recognition and numerous awards. The Judds released seven albums and had 14 No. 1 hits. Wynonna also had a successful solo career with 19 No. 1 singles including those with The Judds, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in country music history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 30, 1964: Wynonna Judd's Birth

On May 30, 1964, Christina Claire Ciminella, who later became known as Wynonna Judd, was born in Ashland, Kentucky.

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1968: Move to Los Angeles

In 1968, Naomi Judd and Michael Ciminella moved with Wynonna and Ashley to Los Angeles.

1972: Divorce of Naomi Judd and Michael Ciminella

In 1972, Naomi Judd and Michael Ciminella divorced.

1976: Return to Kentucky

In 1976, Naomi Judd moved back to Kentucky with Wynonna and Ashley.

1979: Move to Nashville

In 1979, the family moved to Nashville to pursue musical careers for Naomi and Wynonna.

1995: Absent from Country Charts

In 1995, Wynonna was absent from the country charts for the entire year due to negative publicity following the birth of a child out of wedlock.

1996: Marriage to Arch Kelley III

In 1996, Wynonna Judd married businessman Arch Kelley III, after having a son with him.

1998: Divorce from Arch Kelley III

In 1998, Wynonna Judd and Arch Kelley III divorced after having a daughter.

August 2000: Death of Charles Jordan

In August 2000, Charles Jordan, Wynonna Judd's biological father, passed away.

November 2003: Taped Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In November 2003, Wynonna Judd taped an appearance on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, discussing her severe dependence on food.

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2003: Marriage to D. R. Roach

In 2003, Wynonna Judd married D. R. Roach, her former bodyguard.

February 2004: Episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show airs

In February 2004, the episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show featuring Wynonna Judd discussing her food dependence aired.

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September 2005: Second Appearance on Oprah to Discuss Weight Loss

In September 2005, Wynonna Judd appeared on Oprah a second time to discuss her weight loss progress.

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March 27, 2007: Filed for Divorce from D. R. Roach

On March 27, 2007, Wynonna Judd filed for divorce from D. R. Roach, five days after his arrest for sexual assault of a child.

June 7, 2008: Live Internet Chat with Fans

On June 7, 2008, Wynonna Judd participated in a live Internet chat for her fans, which caused the server to crash due to high demand.

December 24, 2011: Engagement to Scott "Cactus" Moser

On December 24, 2011, Wynonna Judd and her boyfriend Scott "Cactus" Moser got engaged.

June 10, 2012: Marriage to Scott "Cactus" Moser

On June 10, 2012, Wynonna Judd married Scott "Cactus" Moser at her home in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee.

August 18, 2012: Scott Moser's Motorcycle Accident

On August 18, 2012, Scott "Cactus" Moser was severely injured in a motorcycle crash in South Dakota, resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee.

2012: Life-Changing Events

In 2012, Wynonna and Cactus Moser experienced life-changing events, influencing her forthcoming album.

June 2018: Daughter Grace Sentenced to Prison

In June 2018, Wynonna Judd's daughter Grace was sentenced to eight years in prison for violating probation related to possession, manufacturing, and distribution of methamphetamines.

April 30, 2022: Death of Naomi Judd

On April 30, 2022, Naomi Judd died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after battling depression and mental illness for years.

November 2024: Daughter Grace Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Church Van

In November 2024, Wynonna's daughter Grace was arrested for allegedly stealing a church van and held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail in Charlottesville, Virginia.