Wynonna Judd is opening up like never before on her first solo studio album in a decade.
On Tuesday (June 9), the country icon announced The Hard Truth and released its lead single, “Kentucky Queen.”
And judging by her own words, fans can expect one of the most personal projects of her career.
Wynonna Judd Is Ready to Tell the Truth
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Judd revealed that The Hard Truth was years in the making and unlike anything she’s released before.
Read More: Wynonna Judd Is Done Chasing the Past — and Owning Who She Is Now [Exclusive]
“I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith, and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this one,” she wrote. “These songs tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become.”
The album was produced by Judd’s husband, Cactus Moser, and took five years to complete.
According to Judd, the process pushed her to let go of perfectionism and embrace a more vulnerable approach to songwriting and recording.
This album asked me to be brave enough to tell the truth — even when my voice shook. It challenged me to let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of honest emotion.
The 11-track project is set for release on Oct. 2.
Along with the announcement, Judd released the album’s first single, “Kentucky Queen.”
“My hope is that when you hear these songs, you feel what I was feeling while writing and recording them,” she added. “If they help someone feel seen, understood, or a little less alone, then every hard truth was worth telling.”
She’s Not Chasing the Past
Back in March, Judd spoke with Taste of Country about where she finds herself at this stage of her life and career.
Read More: When The Judds, Tanya Tucker + More Played an Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show
As she prepared to hit the road with Melissa Etheridge, Judd reflected on the difference between the young woman who first burst onto the country music scene and the artist she is today.
“I think at this point in my life, I’m not chasing that girl anymore — I’m honoring the woman who made it through,” she told us.
The girl I was when I started out was full of fire and dreams, but she didn’t know yet what life was gonna ask of her. She hadn’t lived through the heartbreak, the loss, the battles … all the things that shape your voice in ways no vocal lesson ever could.
That perspective feels especially relevant now. Judd said every chapter of her life comes with her when she takes the stage.
Read More: Wynonna Judd Posts Emotional Birthday Note to Her Late Mother, Naomi
“When I walk onstage now, especially with someone like Melissa, who’s lived her own kind of truth, I’m bringing all of it with me — the joy, the scars, the gratitude for still being here and still getting to sing after all these years,” she explained.
“So no, I’m not chasing who I used to be. I’m standing in who I am — and there’s a lot of power in that. And I think the audience can feel it.”
A Busy Year Ahead
In addition to releasing The Hard Truth this fall, Judd will spend much of the summer on the Raised on Radio Tour with Melissa Etheridge.
She’ll also return to her home state for three shows in Kentucky, celebrating the album’s release.
For an artist whose career has been defined by honesty, resilience, and perseverance, The Hard Truth may be her most revealing project yet.
The Judds Best Songs – Top 10 Hits From Wynonna and Naomi Judd
The Judds have 14 No. 1 songs and dominated Duo and Group of the Year awards at both the CMA and ACM Awards during the 1980s. They also recorded several dozen great songs that never made radio. Here are their Top 10 songs ever.
