Michael Ciminella: The Full Story of Ashley Judd’s Father and Naomi Judd’s First Husband

Michael Ciminella may not be a celebrity, but his life is deeply connected to one of America’s most famous families. He is the biological father of Ashley Judd and the first husband of country singer Naomi Judd. While Naomi and her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, became well-known in music and movies, Michael chose to stay away from the spotlight.

But who is Michael Ciminella really? What was his life like before and after Naomi Judd? And how did he remain such an important figure in Ashley Judd’s life?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the full story of Michael Ciminella — his early years, marriage to Naomi, career in sports broadcasting, and his role as a father and stepfather. Let’s start from the very beginning.

Michael Ciminella Quick Bio

Who Is Michael Ciminella?

Michael Ciminella is best known as Ashley Judd’s father and the first husband of Naomi Judd. He became part of the Judd family long before they were famous. In fact, he helped raise both Ashley and Wynonna when they were just kids.

He’s not a singer or actor. Instead, Michael built a quiet career behind the scenes in marketing and sports broadcasting. Most people only know his name because of his famous ex-wife and daughters, but there’s a lot more to his story.

Even though Michael stayed out of the spotlight, he remained close to his daughter, Ashley, and played an important role in her life—especially during tough times.

Michael Ciminella’s Early Life and Family

Michael Charles Ciminella was born around 1944 or 1945 in Ashland, Kentucky, a small town in the United States. He grew up in a close family with strong roots.

His father, Michael Lawrence Ciminella, was a businessman who started Ashland Aluminum Co. in the 1960s. His mother, Bernadine Mary Dalton, had family ties tracing back to the Mayflower pilgrims. So, Michael grew up in a family with a mix of hardworking business values and deep American history.

As a child, he was bright, curious, and disciplined. He attended the Fork Union Military Academy, which gave him structure and leadership skills. These early experiences shaped who he became later in life.

His Education and Career Start

After high school, Michael went on to study business at Transylvania University, a respected school in Kentucky. He graduated in 1967 and didn’t stop there. He later earned his MBA at UCLA in California.

His education helped him start a solid career in marketing and broadcasting. He didn’t chase fame, but he worked hard behind the scenes. That’s something that set him apart from the more public members of the Judd family.

While Naomi Judd became a country music star, Michael focused on building a stable life through education and work.

Michael Ciminella’s Career in Sports Broadcasting

Michael Ciminella worked in an exciting industry—sports broadcasting. For years, he was a freelance sports producer, helping big TV networks cover huge events. He worked with well-known companies like ESPN, CBS, ABC, and NBC Sports.

He helped cover famous sports events like the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Kentucky Derby, and the Final Four. Even though he was behind the camera, his work brought big moments in sports to millions of people at home.

Besides TV, Michael also worked in marketing for an aerospace company and helped with advertising in the horse racing industry. His career wasn’t flashy, but it was full of important work.

Today, even in semi-retirement, he still does occasional projects with ESPN and other clients.

Marriage to Naomi Judd

Michael Ciminella married Naomi Judd (then named Diana Ellen Judd) in January 1964. She was just 17 years old and already pregnant with Wynonna, whose biological father was Charles Jordan.

Michael stepped in and took responsibility. He raised Wynonna as his own child and gave her his last name, Ciminella. The couple moved to Los Angeles in 1968, the same year their daughter, Ashley Judd, was born.

But even with their new baby and fresh start, the marriage didn’t last. Michael and Naomi divorced in 1972, after eight years together. Naomi then raised both girls on her own while going to nursing school—and later became a music superstar.

Michael Ciminella as Ashley Judd’s Father

Michael is the biological father of Ashley Judd, and the two have always shared a strong bond. Unlike many celebrity relationships, theirs is quiet but full of love and support.

One touching example happened in 2021, when Ashley had a serious accident while hiking in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She had to be rushed to South Africa for emergency surgery. Michael didn’t hesitate—he flew across the world to be by her side.

Ashley later shared on Instagram how much his presence meant to her. She called him her rock, her companion, and her calm voice during a very scary time.

Even though he never became famous, Michael Ciminella was always there when it mattered most.

Raising Wynonna Judd as His Own

Even though Michael Ciminella was not Wynonna Judd’s biological father, he stepped into that role without hesitation. When he married Naomi Judd in 1964, she was already pregnant with Wynonna, whose real father, Charles Jordan, had left before she was born.

Michael gave Wynonna his last name and raised her like his own daughter. For many years, Wynonna believed he was her biological father. In fact, she didn’t learn the truth until she was in her 30s — sometime in the early 1990s. That kind of discovery can be very emotional, and it added to the already complex story of the Judd family.

Although the truth was painful, Michael’s role as a steady father figure during her childhood remained important. He was there in her early years, offering stability during a time that was often full of change.

What Does Michael Ciminella Do Now?

Today, Michael Ciminella lives a calm and peaceful life in Louisville, Kentucky. He is now semi-retired, but from time to time, he still takes part in sports broadcasting work, especially for ESPN.

Over the years, Michael also worked in different fields. Alongside broadcasting, he spent time working with an aerospace subcontractor and later became involved in marketing in the horse racing industry. His business knowledge and calm personality helped him build a meaningful but quiet career.

Now, instead of chasing big jobs, he enjoys the little things. He often shares updates on Facebook — about birds, his cat named Cleo, or thoughts on social issues. It’s clear that Michael prefers a simple life, filled with nature, peace, and thoughtful moments.

Michael Ciminella’s Second Marriage to Mollie Whitelaw

In 2010, many years after his divorce from Naomi, Michael found love again. He married Mollie Whitelaw, a kind and educated woman from Louisville. Mollie studied Art History and Education at the University of Louisville and works in the non-profit sector.

Together, they live a quiet and happy life. From Facebook posts, it seems they enjoy traveling and spending quality time together. Unlike his first marriage, this relationship is private and peaceful — no fame, no drama, just a quiet connection.

It’s heartwarming to see Michael in a healthy, stable marriage after everything he went through with the Judd family.

The Lawsuit Between Wynonna Judd and Michael Ciminella

In 2012, something unexpected happened. Wynonna Judd filed a lawsuit against Michael Ciminella. The issue was about a loan — $200,000 that Wynonna said she gave him years earlier to help him buy property.

Michael reportedly signed a promissory note but never paid the money back. His legal team claimed the property was a gift, not a loan. Wynonna disagreed, and after many years, she wanted the money returned.

The situation caused a lot of attention. It showed that even after raising Wynonna, their relationship had some deep cracks. Money and family can be a tough mix, especially when fame and old emotions are involved.

Michael Ciminella After Naomi Judd’s Death

In April 2022, Naomi Judd tragically died by suicide. She had struggled with depression and mental illness for many years. The news shocked the world — just one day before she was to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Even though Michael and Naomi had divorced 50 years earlier, her death likely brought up many memories. They had shared a life, a daughter, and many chapters of their early years.

Ashley Judd and Wynonna released a statement after her death, saying they had experienced both joy and sorrow as a family. Michael Ciminella didn’t speak publicly, but his support for Ashley during this time was clear.

(FAQs)

How much money does Michael Ciminella have?

Michael Ciminella is believed to have more than $1 million in 2025. He made his money by working in TV sports, business, and marketing, not from being famous.

How old is Michael Ciminella now?

Michael was born around 1944 or 1945, so in 2025, he is about 80 years old. Even at this age, he still stays active and posts on Facebook.

Did Michael Ciminella really marry Naomi Judd?

Yes, he was Naomi Judd’s first husband. They got married in 1964, when Naomi was only 17 years old and pregnant with her first child, Wynonna.

Has Michael Ciminella ever done a public interview?

No, he has never given a big interview. Even though he’s linked to a famous family, he likes to stay quiet and private.

Where is Michael Ciminella living now?

As of 2025, he is alive and living in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife Mollie Whitelaw. He enjoys a calm life with his pets, nature, and part-time TV work.