Wynonna Judd's Daughter Grace Kelley Details Troubled Childhood: 'My Mom Was Never a Mother' and Reveals Childhood Abuse
In a deeply personal and heartbreaking interview, Grace Kelley, daughter of country music legend Wynonna Judd, has opened up about a childhood marked by emotional distance from her mother and a horrific experience of sexual abuse. Kelley’s revelations offer a stark contrast to the public image of the Judd family, revealing a painful reality hidden behind the music and fame.
Speaking with The U.S. Sun, Kelley stated bluntly, “My mom was never a mother.” She elaborated on a childhood where she felt neglected and unsupported, claiming that Wynonna Judd prioritized her career and relationships over her children. “I don’t think she ever wanted to be a mom. She never wanted to be around. It was always about her and her career,” Kelley explained. This candid statement sheds light on a complex family dynamic that has remained largely private until now.
However, the most shocking aspect of Kelley's interview is her revelation of childhood sexual abuse. Kelley alleges that her former stepfather, D.R. Roach, molested her when she was just 10 years old. Roach, who married Wynonna Judd in 1994, was arrested and charged with sexual battery against a minor in 2007, just days before Judd filed for divorce from him. The charges were ultimately dropped, but Kelley's account brings renewed attention to this disturbing chapter in the Judd family's history.
“It was horrible. It was traumatic. I was just a kid,” Kelley recounted. She described feeling isolated and ashamed, struggling to cope with the abuse and the subsequent family turmoil. The experience, she says, has had a lasting impact on her life.
The interview also touched on Kelley’s relationship with her half-brother, Jace Judd, and the challenges of navigating a fractured family. Kelley expressed a desire for reconciliation but emphasized the need for accountability and healing. “I want to have a relationship with my brother, but it needs to come from a place of honesty,” she stated.
Wynonna Judd's representatives have not yet responded to Kelley's allegations. The interview has sparked a wave of reactions online, with many expressing support for Kelley and condemning the abuse she endured. This story underscores the importance of addressing childhood trauma and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and families. It also serves as a reminder that even behind the brightest stars, there can be hidden pain and suffering.