Who Is Wynonna Judd? The Voice Behind the National Anthem at Fever vs. Dream Playoff Game 2

Is Indiana worried about ticket sales, or simply determined to make the playoffs unforgettable? Stephanie White’s Fever is set to open its series against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, but the real buzz is around Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Under the WNBA’s new 1-1-1 playoff format, the Fever return home on September 16, and fans are in for a treat. Country Music Hall of Fame legend Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem, adding star power and spectacle to Indiana’s postseason stage. But for those who only know the name, the real story lies in who the Judds are and why their music has left such a lasting mark on American culture.

Wynonna Judd: Career beginnings and highlights

Ever heard of The Judds? The musical duo was genre-defining in the 1980s. Wynonna, alongside her mother Naomi Judd, formed The Judds in 1983. They quickly became one of the most successful duos in country music history because of their musical talent and familial bonding—it made for a great story. But what made them popular was that the Judds had quite a unique sound.

It was a mix of traditional country with folk and acoustic elements, and defined an entire generation of country music. For us personally, they’re right up there with Kenny Rogers and the greats! However, their run wasn’t meant to last for long. Wynonna and Naomi disbanded the band in 1991 because of Naomi’s Hepatitis C diagnosis. However, that didn’t stop her daughter from excelling in the field! Wynonna carved out an incredibly successful music career after The Judds were disbanded.

Wynonna Judd’s awards and achievements

After a prolific 42-year music career, Judd, has plenty to boast about. She has maintained dominance in the field of country music, and honestly, her resume alongside Naomi speaks for itself: (between 1984 and 1991*)

1. 5 Grammy Awards
2. 9 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards
3. 7 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards
4. Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (with The Judds in 2022*).

In fact, throughout her long career, Wynonna Judd has won over 60 major industry awards!

Wynonna Judd’s husband: Meet Cactus Moser

Wynonna has been married to drummer and producer Cactus Moser (a member of the country band Highway 101) since 2012. The couple are frequent musical collaborators. Their relationship has been a source of great stability and partnership, enduring through significant challenges, including Moser’s recovery from a serious motorcycle accident shortly after their wedding.

Wynonna Judd’s past relationships and splits

Before her marriage to Cactus Moser, Wynonna was married twice:

1. Arch Kelley III (1996–1998; divorced) – Father of her two children.
2. D.R. Roach (2003–2007; divorced) – The marriage ended amidst legal issues for Roach. She has spoken openly about how these experiences contributed to her personal growth and resilience.

Wynonna Judd’s children

Wynonna is a mother to two children:

1. Elijah Judd (son, born 1994)
2. Grace Pauline Kelley (daughter, born 1996)

Judd, who will sing on 16th September ahead of Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs, has also become a stepmother through her marriage to Cactus Moser. She has navigated the challenges of motherhood in the public eye with honesty, supporting her children through their own personal struggles.

Wynonna Judd’s parents: Meet her mother and father

Wynonna was born Christina Claire Ciminella in 1964. She is the daughter of Naomi Judd (her future musical partner) and Charles Jordan. Her biological father left early in her life, and she was later adopted by Naomi’s second husband, Michael Ciminella. She was raised primarily by her mother, and the two developed an incredibly close, though sometimes complicated, bond through their shared musical journey.

Wynonna Judd’s net worth in 2025

After a career like the one Judd has had, you’re bound to make some money. As of 2024/2025, Wynonna Judd’s estimated net worth is $12 million. This wealth has been accumulated through decades of album sales, sold-out tours, television appearances, and other business ventures within the music industry. But Judd, who will sign in Game 2 of the WNBA Playoffs (Indiana vs Atlanta) has larger goals as well. After the unfortunate circumstances regarding her mother, Wynonna has been an active advocate of mental health and has been mentoring younger artists across the country music scene.