Wynonna Judd has recently shared she is going through mixed emotions for singing the national anthem at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4.
“It's the 'best and the worst of times' kind of thing, where you're keenly aware of where you were and what was going on, on that day,” said Wynonna in an interview with PEOPLE as she referred to two-year anniversary of her mother Naomi Judd’s death.
Wynonna remarked, “I feel her, and I miss her terribly.”
“I think about everything differently now, now that Mom is gone,” confessed the 59-year-old.
When Wynonna received the invite to join a long list of female country artists such as Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles and Jo Dee Messina, Wynonna knew her answer would be “yes”.
“This was definitely a check on that list of things I've got left to do. This is definitely one of those moments,” dished the singer.
Wynonna revealed it hits home as she’s performing at the Kentucky Derby, where she spent watching horse racing with her family.
The musician told the oulet, “She plans to bask in the memories that will most certainly flood back in her mind of the times she spent there as a little girl.”
Recalling her childhood days, Wynonna mentioned, “I grew up going to Keeneland. Standing on the backside as they come around and hearing the thunderous sound of the hooves hitting the dirt, I was just always overcome with emotion. I still think about it.”
“I think to this day, besides having my children, it's one of the greatest memories of my life. My sweet Papa was there every single year, and he took me,” shared the talk show host.
Wynonna added, “I will be going in the morning for a soundcheck, and that will give me a chance to stand there and just bask in the glory of the moment.”