MEGHAN MCCAIN: Naomi Judd’s suicide shines spotlight on skyrocketing number of deaths of despair

The news of Naomi Judd’s suicide literally stopped me in my tracks.

I paused and re-read my news alert. The report seemed unfathomable.

I love The Judds, as the mother/daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna were known.

I grew up in Phoenix in the 90s, and it was nearly impossible to live in that part of the country at that time and not adore them.

They were two of the most iconic country music singers of a generation.

Throughout their careers they had 20 top 10 hits, including 15 number ones.

They won five Grammy awards and Naomi won the Country Song Of The Year for writing ‘Love Can Build a Bridge.’

They are ubiquitous to all things related to women in modern country music, and arguably, as impactful as Loretta Lynne, Dolly Parton, and Miranda Lambert.

Naomi in particular transcended country…