Prison Reform: Wynonna Judd Advocates at the Whitehouse

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 Goes to the White House

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.

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.