Anderson Cooper Breaks Down With Ashley Judd In Emotional Conversation About Loved Ones’ Suicides

Anderson Cooper and Ashley Judd are supporting each other’s respective journeys with grief. The CNN anchor and the actress, author and activist bonded over their shared losses, discussing on an emotional new episode of Anderson’s “All There Is” podcast how they’re coping with the suicides of Anderson’s brother, Carter Cooper, and Ashley’s mother, Naomi Judd. Ashley recalled Naomi’s 2022 death and revealed that she was the one to discover her mother’s body. The 55-year-old explained how she’s come to terms with that harrowing experience and why she ultimately has gratitude for how it unfolded. “Even when I walked in that room and I saw that she had harmed herself, the first thing out of my mouth was, ‘Momma, I see how much you’ve been suffering and it is okay… I am here, and it is okay to let go,'” she said in part. Anderson also teared up while reflecting on his brother’s 1988 passing and admitted that the manner of his death is something he’s found himself “stuck in” over the years. Ashley comforted the host and thanked him for opening up before sharing her inspiring perspective on how to honor a cherished loved one’s memory while moving forward from the trauma of their loss. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.