Wynonna Judd has experienced the journey of love and relationships through multiple marriages, ultimately discovering her true happiness with her third husband, Cactus Moser. Their enduring romance reflects the resilience and depth of their bond, showcasing how love can flourish even amidst life’s challenges.
Since their wedding in 2012, Wynonna and Cactus have built a strong partnership that was prominently highlighted in the singer’s April 2023 documentary, Wynonna Judd: From Hell to Hallelujah. In this captivating two-hour special, Wynonna opened her heart about the steadfast support Cactus provided during the tumultuous aftermath of her mother, Naomi Judd’s tragic passing in 2022. She credited Cactus for empowering her to fulfill the tour commitments she and Naomi had envisioned prior to the heartbreaking loss. Cactus, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Wynonna’s pivotal role in his recovery following a severe motorcycle accident in 2012, emphasizing their mutual support in overcoming life’s adversities.
Wynonna’s life narrative has been riddled with hardships, even before the loss of her mother. At the age of 30, she discovered a life-altering secret: her sister’s father was not her biological father. This revelation, compounded by her struggles with a food dependency addiction, her daughter’s legal troubles, and a tumultuous relationship with her sister, Ashley Judd, has shaped her journey. Additionally, Wynonna navigated the emotional turbulence of two public divorces, all of which have contributed to her resilience and strength as a person.
Continue reading to uncover the details of Wynonna’s current blissful marriage to Cactus, along with insights about the previous two men who held the title of her husband.
Discovering Love: Wynonna’s First Marriage to Arch Kelley
Wynonna’s journey into matrimony began when she met her first husband, Arch Kelley, in 1993, eventually tying the knot in January 1996. At this time, the couple was already embracing parenthood with the birth of their son, Elijah, in 1994. The family’s dynamics shifted further with the arrival of their daughter, Grace, who later faced significant legal challenges as an adult, serving an 8-year prison sentence for probation violations. Despite their initial hopes, Wynonna and Arch’s marriage came to an end in 1999, marking a pivotal moment in her life.
Facing Adversity: Wynonna’s Marriage to D.R. Roach
D.R. Roach, who served as Wynonna’s longtime bodyguard, entered her life in a unique way, leading to their marriage in 2003. However, their relationship took a dark turn when, just four years later, Roach was arrested on serious child sex assault and battery charges. Wynonna later reflected on their tumultuous relationship, admitting, “I knew what I was getting into and I tried to change it. I knew that both Roach and I had issues with addiction when I married him.” This candid admission, shared with Ladies’ Home Journal (via People), highlights her struggle with the complexities of love and addiction.
Only five days after Roach’s arrest, Wynonna filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and openly addressing the charges against him on her website. Expressing her devastation, she stated, “Our family will pull together, begin the healing process and hopefully — by the Grace of God — become stronger.” Determined to focus on her healing journey and her children, she emphasized the importance of moving forward with faith and support from loved ones. “It is hard to detach overnight… There’s always hope,” she concluded. Roach was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Celebrating True Love: Wynonna’s Marriage to Cactus Moser
Wynonna found her soulmate in Cactus Moser, the talented drummer for Highway 101, whom she married in June 2012. The intimate ceremony was attended solely by their children, emphasizing their commitment to family. Wynonna expressed, “I didn’t want it to be about anyone but Cactus and me,” highlighting her desire for a personal and meaningful celebration. Reflecting on that day in her 2023 documentary, she shared, “Marrying Cactus was one of the greatest days of my life because I’ve never trusted someone and loved someone so simultaneously like I love Cactus.”
Cactus also shared his heartfelt proposal story, revealing that he asked Wynonna to marry him on Christmas Eve, a moment she described as “perfect.” However, their joy was soon overshadowed by tragedy when, just two months after their wedding, Cactus suffered a life-altering motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. Wynonna recounted her initial shock upon hearing the sound of Cactus struggling to breathe, a moment that underscored the fragility of life and their relationship.
“We lived through the night, which was a miraculous story,” Cactus recounted in the documentary. He further explained that just two months into their marriage, Wynonna had to take on the role of a caregiver, navigating the complexities of his recovery. They both emphasized their ability to find happiness even in the darkest times, showcasing the strength of their relationship and their commitment to face challenges together.
Through her marriage to Cactus, Wynonna embraced a blended family, gaining three stepchildren: Sunshine, Cal, and Wyatt. “This family is everything to me,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of family unity in her life. With two biological children and her stepchildren, Wynonna emphasized the joy that comes from their combined family and the support they provide each other. She described her home base as a source of strength while on tour, stating, “This family that I come home to is everything to me. It keeps me going and fills me up with joy and gives me purpose.”
