Who is Larry Strickland? All about Naomi Judd’s husband as widower confirms country star got a gun to confront infidelity

Larry Strickland, the late Naomi Judd's husband for 33 years, has maintained a relatively low profile throughout their relationship and even after her death.

In a Lifetime documentary released earlier this year, "The Judd Family: Truth Be Told," Strickland revealed information about his private life with his wife, Naomi Judd, who once fired a gun at him after discovering he had cheated on her.

Larry Strickland, 79, is a well-known musician who gained fame years before he met Naomi Judd. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, he grew up in a deeply religious home as the son of a preacher.

According to Closer Weekly, his passion for gospel music began at an early age, and by 12, he had joined the US Army for four years, stationed in Germany and with the NSA.

Strickland joined J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet in 1974, the quartet that backed Elvis Presley. He then went on a long tour with Elvis until the star's death in 1977, appearing in more than 200 shows.

Strickland supposedly met Naomi Judd in 1979, when she was still a nurse in Nashville and on the verge of success with her daughter Wynonna Judd as The Judds. The couple got married ten years later, in May 1989. However, their relationship faced several ups and downs, including the time when Naomi Judd confronted Larry Strickland with a gun.

More about Larry Strickland's recent statement and his struggles with Naomi Judd's deteriorating health

In The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, Larry Strickland finally revealed that Naomi had indeed confronted him with a gun. This incident had previously been dramatized in a 1995 TV movie adaptation of Love Can Build a Bridge, based on Naomi's memoir.

In the movie, Naomi's character shoots at Strickland's character after she discovers the affair. In a recent documentary, Larry Strickland confirmed that this scene occurred in real life.

"Well, it really happened. That's all I can say. That's all I'm gonna say. It happened." He said.

Throughout their marriage, Strickland played many roles: husband, friend, creative collaborator, and eventually, Naomi's full-time caretaker. As Naomi faced serious mental health challenges, particularly in the last decade of her life, Larry served as her primary caretaker and endeavored to help her live comfortably.

"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." He told People.

He even stated that he never left the house without letting her know precisely where he was and when he would be back.

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"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." He added.

Naomi Judd committed s*icide in April 2022, just days before The Judds were scheduled for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. After Naomi died, Larry decided to sell their house in Tennessee and move to Florida.

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