Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Prison Reform: Wynonna Judd Advocates at the Whitehouse

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Country star Wynonna Judd recently took the matters of prison reform into her own hands, when she set up a meeting with White House officials to discuss the issue.

Wynonna, White House, Wynonna Judd My Strongest Weakness
Photo Credit: Wynonna Judd’s Official Facebook Page

Wynonna Goes to the White House

Wynonna, White House
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

During a White House event for the National Day of Prayer, Judd was front and center saying that it was really using this time to speak out for the “unloved [and] people who feel forgotten.” She also notes that her project with the White House marks “the beginning of a new chapter.”

Judd met with Brooke Rollins, a senior staffer in the  White House Office of American Innovation. Although she declined to disclose much of the details of her partnership, it is known that the meeting discussed criminal justice reform and ways the administration can continue to enhance reentry programs for inmates and curb the return-to-prison rate.

Wynonna’s Personal Passion

Wynonna Judd is no stranger to the issue. In fact, her passion for prison reform became very personal back in 2018 when her 22-year-old daughter, Grace Pauline Kelly received an 8-year sentence for breaking the terms of her probation for a 2017 drug charge.

Wynonna, White House
via Fox News

Back in 2018, the 22-year-old has been sent to the West Tennessee State Penitentiary. RadarOnline reports that the warrant for Grace Pauline Kelley, for probation violation, was issued on Nov. 22, 2017, after she left her court-mandated rehabilitation program on Nov. 19. Williamson County spokesperson explains:

“The defendant was terminated from the recovery court program on Nov. 21, 2017. A warrant for probation violation was … served on Dec. 16, 2017.”

Kelley’s probation was officially revoked on Feb. 8, 2018. Her official prison release date is now scheduled for Aug. 10, 2025, but she will be eligible for parole on Feb. 4, 2019, and will likely only serve 30 percent of her sentence.

In months since her daughter’s sentencing, the country superstar has worked closely with Hope for Prisoners, a nonprofit group that aims to reduce the recidivism rates by educating and training inmates.

Latest Stories

Darius Rucker announces he's now living in London, sparking curiosity among fans about whether the move is permanent and the reasons behind his life change.

Darius Rucker Reveals He’s No Longer Living in the U.S.

Darius Rucker and the American South go hand in hand. Whether it’s Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Cracked Rear View” playing at a summer cookout or “Wagon Wheel” blasting from the ...

Country singer Andrew Millsaps shares how his fiancée ended their engagement via text before a show, inspiring him to channel the heartbreak into new music.

Country Singer Andrew Millsaps Got Dumped in the Worst Way Possible—Right Before a Show

Breakups are never easy, but some are downright brutal. For country singer Andrew Millsaps, the heartbreak hit at the worst possible time—while he was on stage. The Neon Union vocalist ...

Rascal Flatts and the Jonas Brothers collaborate on 'I Dare You,' a powerful heartbreak anthem, ahead of Rascal Flatts' 25th Anniversary Life Is a Highway Tour.

Rascal Flatts and Jonas Brothers Collaborate on New Song “I Dare You”

Rascal Flatts may have built their legacy on heartfelt country anthems. Still, their latest collaboration proves they’re not afraid to shake things up. The iconic trio has teamed up with ...

Cody Johnson opens up about learning to be romantic with his wife, Brandi, after 15 years of marriage, emphasizing the importance of simple gestures.

Cody Johnson Shares How He Learned to Be Romantic With His Wife Brandi

Cody Johnson might be a country music powerhouse, but he’s just a husband trying to get it right at home. Married to his wife, Brandi, since 2008, Johnson has spent ...

Luke Bryan Says Beyonce Is The Greatest Singer Of All Time

Luke Bryan Just Called Beyoncé “The Greatest Singer of Our Lifetime”

Luke Bryan poured gasoline on an already blazing fire by calling Beyoncé “the greatest singer in our lifetime.” As Cowboy Carter continues to divide country music fans, Bryan’s comments feel ...

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, sits wide-eyed and open-mouthed in her seat, displaying visible shock as Taylor Swift announces her as the winner for Best Country Album. In the background, Kacey Musgraves, wearing a white tank top, claps with a neutral expression, her face showing no visible emotion.

The Real Reason Beyoncé Won a Grammy for Best Country Album

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter winning Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys was never about the music. It was about power, control, and pushing an agenda unrelated to country music. The ...

Whoopi Goldberg passionately defends Beyoncé's Grammy win for Best Country Album on 'The View.' Seated at the show's panel, Goldberg gestures emphatically, her expression animated as she addresses the camera. She wears a patterned blouse and round glasses, conveying determination. Co-hosts listen attentively, and the studio backdrop features 'The View' logo. Goldberg's body language underscores her firm stance against critics of Beyoncé's achievement.

Whoopi Goldberg Sides With Beyoncé’s Country Grammy Win and Tells Critics to “Sit Down”

Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of running her mouth without understanding the issue. Still, this time, she’s stomping all over country music like it’s just another Hollywood punchline. On ...

Wynonna Judd raising her granddaughter Kaliyah as her daughter Grace Kelley navigates ongoing legal challenges.

Wynonna Judd Reveals She’s Raising Her Granddaughter After Daughter’s Legal Troubles

In two weeks, Wynonna Judd’s world changed forever. She lost her mother. She became a grandmother. And somewhere in the middle of grief and joy, she stepped into a role ...

Alan Jackson's fans on his Last Call tour go viral for dressing in Chattahoochee-inspired outfits, catching the attention of Jackson himself.

Alan Jackson Fans Go Viral for Dressing in “Chattahoochee” Outfits at Concert

Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour has been an emotional farewell for fans who have spent decades following his legendary career. With this being his final ...

Randy Travis releases 'Horses in Heaven,' his second AI-assisted single, blending nostalgia, faith, and classic country storytelling to fans' delight.

Randy Travis’ New Single “Horses in Heaven” Is Touching Hearts Everywhere

Randy Travis has done it again. The country legend just released his brand-new single, “Horses in Heaven,” marking his second new song in over a decade. Fans have been eagerly ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.