Shivangi Sinha
Naomi Judd’s life was anything but ordinary, and it was marked by soaring success and profound struggles. By her side through it all was her husband of 33 years, Larry Strickland, a constant, steady presence who witnessed the heights of her career and stood by her through the darkest valleys. More than just a partner, he became Naomi’s primary caregiver in her final years. In Lifetime’s ‘The Judd Family: Truth Be Told,’ he opened up about their life together, painting a portrait of deep devotion and the private battles behind the public image of a country music icon.
Larry Strickland Was a Husband, Friend, Confidant, and More to Naomi Judd
Before Naomi Judd rose to fame, Larry Strickland had already made his mark in the music world. As a member of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, he performed alongside Elvis Presley in over 200 shows between 1975 and 1977, bringing his deep bass vocals to audiences across the country. In 1979, while Naomi was working as a nurse in Nashville, their paths crossed, and it led to an immediate connection. At the time, Larry’s touring schedule kept him on the road frequently, which posed challenges to their budding relationship. He acknowledged a period of infidelity during their early years together and expressed regret over his actions. Despite these hurdles, they kept finding their way to one another, as they both saw a fieriness in each other.
Larry and Naomi married on May 6, 1989, and began a partnership that would span over three decades. Their home in Nashville, Tennessee, became more than just a house; it was their refuge. Larry was not only Naomi’s husband but also her manager, creative collaborator, and emotional anchor. He embraced her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, as his own, and they, in turn, called him “Dad.” The family faced many storms, but love and commitment carried them through. In Naomi’s later years, as her mental health declined, Larry was by her side. He helplessly watched as she withdrew, often lying silently under blankets on their living room sofa.
In the late 2000s, Larry took on the role of Naomi’s caregiver. He understood that she needed steadiness and presence, so he made it a point to never leave the house without telling her exactly where he was going and when he’d return. He tried to gently nudge her out of the fog, encouraging her to get off the sofa and do small things that he hoped would lift her spirits. In hindsight, he admitted that perhaps he was too focused on helping in his own way. He reflected that he might have done better by giving her space and allowing her to move at her own pace..
Larry Strickland Sold the House in Tennessee and Has Moved Near the Beach
Larry Strickland has often chosen silence when it comes to speaking about the day Naomi Judd passed away. April 30, 2022, shattered the rhythm of his life and left him scrambling to gather the pieces of a world that had revolved around her for over three decades. Though his daughters stayed close, the home he had shared with Naomi became too heavy with memory, and he couldn’t bear to stay. By the spring of 2023, he sold the house and moved to Florida. It was a place where he and Naomi had often escaped together, renting Airbnbs by the beach.
He has bought a condo and seems to have shifted there permanently. Every walk along the shoreline reminded him of her, and he said he could still feel her with him in the breeze and the waves. Her passing brought him and his daughters closer as they were reminded of life’s fragility. In later interviews, he described the months leading up to her death as “very chaotic, hectic,” but it’s the warmth, the laughter, and the love they shared that he continues to carry forward.
Larry Strickland’s Work Finds Relevance in the Music Industry Even Today
For the longest time, Larry Strickland’s life revolved around supporting Naomi Judd, first as her musical collaborator and then as her devoted caregiver. In August 2023, however, he made a heartfelt return to the studio after years away, teaming up with country artist Jillian Cardarelli on her tender single “If I Could Talk to Elvis.” The opportunity came unexpectedly, and Larry, who admitted he hadn’t been receiving many calls for new projects, embraced it wholeheartedly. It turned out to be a seamless fit.
His storied past, especially his years touring with Elvis Presley as part of the legendary Stamps Quartet, continues to draw interest from fans and interviewers alike. Though his last solo project, the EP “Legacy,” was released in 2020, he also appeared in 2023 alongside Wynonna Judd and the Gaither Vocal Band for the moving tribute ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Loretta Lynn.’ Still very much a producer, manager, and musical soul, Larry’s legacy stands firm. It is rooted in talent, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to the music he loves.
Larry Strickland’s Life Continues to be an Inspiration for Many
Witnessing the struggles Naomi Judd faced, Larry Strickland has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. In 2022, he appeared on the Academy of Country Music’s digital series ‘Lifting Lives Presents: The Check-In,’ where he opened up about the emotional toll of caregiving, grief, and the importance of having honest conversations about mental wellness. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Larry’s journey has been profound. He began as the son of a preacher who first fell in love with gospel music.
He toured with gospel quartets across North Carolina before enlisting in the US Army in 1966. During his four years of service, he worked with the National Security Agency in Frankfurt, Germany, before returning to the States and resuming his gospel career. It was this deep-rooted musical passion and discipline that eventually led him to join the Stamps Quartet—Elvis Presley’s iconic backup group. From gospel stages to world tours, and later, to life beside one of country music’s most celebrated voices, Larry’s life has been an adventure, and he continues to live it on his terms. He has grandchildren and great-grandchildren to spend the rest of his life with, and anyone who speaks to him can clearly see how much he has to offer.
Read More: Brent Maher: Where is The Judds’ Music Producer Now?
