Naomi Judd‘s husband, Larry Strickland, is speaking out about his wife’s death by suicide. Strickland, who was married to Judd for 33 years, reveals how challenging her mental illness had become, for both of them.
“For the past 13 years or more, I was with her 24/7,” Strickland tells People. “I never left the house without Naomi knowing where I was going and when I would be back. As far as taking care of myself, I’m not sure that fits my situation. When you have a mate that has a mental illness, you walk that path with them.”
Judd passed away on April 30, one day before The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Strickland, who was not at home when Judd died, feels immense regret at how she spent her final days.
“If I had known where she was, I would’ve been much softer on her,” Strickland says. “I would’ve been gentler and more understanding instead of tired and exhausted because it was wearing me out, too. To know now that she was contemplating [suicide], I look back and just wish I had been holding her and comforting her instead of pushing her. I don’t know if that would’ve helped, but it certainly wouldn’t have hurt.”
Strickland did his very best to manage Judd’s illness, even as her disease continued to progress, despite his best intentions.
“I just feel like I might have overdone it,” Strickland acknowledges. “I was trying to get her to eat. I was trying to get her to exercise. I handled her medications and had to make sure she had what she needed. I was trying every way I could.”
Indeed, Strickland, a former backup singer for Elvis Presley, is now an outspoken advocate for suicide prevention, and resources to help those battling depression and other mental illnesses.
“When you lose someone to suicide, you don’t get a chance to say bye,” Strickland says. “[After losing Naomi], it was pain like I’ve never felt before.
“I was consumed by what happened, and I want to do anything I can to help relieve any kind of hurting or suffering for others,” he continues. “I’m willing to do whatever I can to hopefully help anyone not go through what our family has.”
Strickland is now working with the National Association of Mental Illness. More information can be found here.