Who Is Michael Ciminella? All About Ashley Judd’s Father

You may know Ashley Judd from movies like Double Jeopardy and Kiss the Girls. You may also know her mother, Naomi Judd, the famous country singer from the music duo The Judds. But what about Ashley’s father — Michael Ciminella?

Michael isn’t a celebrity. He never stood on stage or appeared in Hollywood films. But his story is deeply connected to one of America’s most famous families.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Michael Ciminella — Ashley Judd’s father and Naomi Judd’s first husband. We’ll explore his early life, his marriage, his career, and his quiet role in the Judd family’s history. Let’s begin.

Michael Ciminella Quick Bio

Who Is Michael Ciminella?

Michael Ciminella is best known as the father of actress Ashley Judd and the first husband of Naomi Judd. Even though his name isn’t famous, he played a big part in the Judd family’s early story.

He was born in Kentucky in the 1940s and became a businessman and sports producer. He helped raise Naomi’s oldest daughter, Wynonna, and later welcomed his own daughter, Ashley, in 1968.

Michael never chased fame. He focused on his work, his family, and later, a quiet life in Kentucky. But his story is full of real love, family challenges, and silent strength — the kind we don’t always see in the headlines.

Michael Ciminella’s Early Life and Family

Michael was born in Ashland, Kentucky, around 1944 or 1945. His family was close and hardworking. His father, Michael Lawrence Ciminella, started Ashland Aluminum Co., a successful business in town. His mother, Bernadine Mary Dalton, came from a long line of American history — she was even related to the Mayflower pilgrims.

Michael grew up with strong values. He went to Fork Union Military Academy, where he learned discipline, leadership, and focus. Those lessons shaped the man he would become — quiet, steady, and reliable.

He wasn’t raised in a world of fame, but in one of hard work and responsibility. And that showed in the way he lived his life, even after marrying into the very public Judd family.

Michael Ciminella’s Education Journey

After finishing military school, Michael continued his education. He studied business at Transylvania University in Kentucky and graduated in 1967. He didn’t stop there — he later earned his MBA from UCLA, a top university in California.

This education helped him build a solid career. While Naomi went on to become a country music star, Michael worked behind the scenes in marketing and sports broadcasting. He never looked for the spotlight, but he built a life full of purpose.

His college years were important not just for his career, but also for how he viewed the world — with thoughtfulness and a calm, steady hand.

Michael Ciminella’s Career in Sports and Business

Michael Ciminella had an interesting and active career. He worked as a freelance sports producer for some of the biggest TV networks — ESPN, CBS, ABC, and NBC Sports.

He helped cover major events like the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, and the Final Four. While millions of people watched these events from home, Michael was one of the people making them happen from behind the camera.

Besides sports, he also worked in aerospace marketing and in advertising for horse racing. His jobs may not have been flashy, but they mattered. He stayed busy, curious, and creative — all while keeping a low profile.

Michael Ciminella and Naomi Judd’s Marriage

In 1964, a young Naomi Judd (then named Diana Ellen Judd) married Michael Ciminella. She was just 17 years old at the time and already pregnant with Wynonna, her first child with a high school boyfriend, Charles Jordan.

Michael did something powerful — he stepped up. He accepted Wynonna as his own daughter and even gave her his last name, Ciminella. Later, in 1968, Michael and Naomi had a daughter together — Ashley Judd.

The family moved to Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start. But sadly, the marriage didn’t last. In 1972, after eight years together, Michael and Naomi divorced. Still, Michael’s role in those early years remained important — especially for Ashley and Wynonna.

A Loving and Steady Presence

Ashley Judd has always spoken with love and respect about her father. Even though he never became famous, Michael Ciminella was always there for her.

In 2021, Ashley had a terrible accident while hiking in the Congo. She broke her leg badly and had to be flown to South Africa for emergency surgery. Michael flew across the world to be by her side.

Ashley called him her “rock” and said he was the one helping her talk to doctors, holding her hand, and rubbing her foot when she couldn’t move it. That moment showed the world what Ashley already knew — her dad may live quietly, but his love speaks loudly.

Did Michael Ciminella Raise Wynonna Judd?

Yes — even though Michael Ciminella was not Wynonna’s biological father, he raised her like his own during the early years. Naomi was pregnant with Wynonna when they married, and Michael gave her his name and his care.

Wynonna grew up believing Michael was her dad. It wasn’t until the early 1990s, when she was in her 30s, that she found out the truth — her biological father was Charles Jordan, a man she never met.

It was a hard truth, but Wynonna always acknowledged Michael’s role. He was the father she knew during childhood — the one who stood there when it counted.

Michael Ciminella’s Private Life Today

After years of hard work, Michael Ciminella now enjoys a peaceful life. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, far from the bright lights of Hollywood. His days are simple, and that’s how he likes them.

He still does some part-time work in sports broadcasting, especially with ESPN, but most of his time is spent at home. He enjoys reading, watching birds, and sharing thoughtful posts on Facebook. He even talks about his pet cat, Cleo, and little stories from his garden.

It’s clear that Michael finds joy in quiet things — nature, pets, peace. While his former family became famous, he chose a slower, softer path. And that makes his story special in its own way.

Michael Ciminella’s Second Marriage to Mollie Whitelaw

In 2010, Michael found love again. He married Mollie Whitelaw, a kind woman from Louisville. Mollie is well-educated and works in the nonprofit world. She studied Art History and Education and now helps others through her work.

Together, Michael and Mollie live a quiet, happy life. They travel sometimes and enjoy time together at home. Unlike Michael’s first marriage, this one has stayed private and peaceful.

They don’t chase attention. They simply live with care and calm — and after all Michael has been through, this quiet joy feels like a happy ending.

Wynonna’s Lawsuit Against Michael

In 2012, something unexpected happened. Wynonna Judd, who had once believed Michael was her real father, filed a lawsuit against him.

She said that she had loaned Michael $200,000 to help him buy property and that he hadn’t paid it back. Michael’s side said the money was a gift. The two didn’t agree, and the issue ended up in court.

This moment showed that even close families can have painful chapters. While it was sad to see them in conflict, it also reminded people that the Judds, like all families, had their struggles behind the scenes.

How Michael Ciminella Handled Naomi Judd’s Death

In April 2022, Naomi Judd died by suicide just one day before she was to be honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The news shocked fans across the world.

Even though Michael and Naomi had divorced 50 years earlier, her passing deeply affected the whole family. Naomi had battled depression and PTSD for years. Her daughters, Ashley and Wynonna, shared how broken they felt in a public statement.

Michael Ciminella didn’t speak to the media. But he was there — standing by Ashley, comforting her, and helping her through another painful moment. His steady support spoke louder than any words.

Final Thoughts

Michael Ciminella, the father of Ashley Judd, may not be a star, but his life has touched many hearts. He was there during the hardest times. He raised Wynonna when she had no father. He flew across the world to care for Ashley when she was in danger.

He lived a quiet life, worked hard, and stayed out of the spotlight. While Naomi and the Judd family became famous, Michael Ciminella stayed grounded. He never chased attention — he simply chose to be kind, steady, and strong.

Today, in 2026, he continues to live in Kentucky with his wife Mollie, spending his time in peace, surrounded by nature and love. His story reminds us that being a good father doesn’t require fame — it just takes heart.

(FAQs)

How old is Michael Ciminella in 2026?

Michael Ciminella is about 81 or 82 years old in 2026. He was born sometime around 1944 or 1945. Even at this age, he’s doing well and living a calm life in Kentucky.

How much money does Michael Ciminella have?

Michael is not rich like a movie star, but he’s doing fine. His net worth is over $1 million. He made his money from many years of work in TV sports and business, not from fame.

Was Michael Ciminella really married to Naomi Judd?

Yes, he was. Michael married Naomi Judd in 1964, when she was just 17 and already pregnant with Wynonna. They were married for 8 years before they split in 1972.

What kind of work did Michael Ciminella do?

Michael worked behind the scenes in sports TV, helping big channels like ESPN and NBC. He also did marketing jobs in business and horse racing. He liked working quietly, not being famous.

Where is Michael Ciminella living now?

In 2026, Michael lives a quiet and happy life in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Mollie. He enjoys simple things like watching birds, caring for his cat, and sometimes still helps with sports shows.

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