Wynonna Judd's Kids: Everything to Know About Elijah and Grace Pauline
- Celebrity
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- UPDATED September 01, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Wynonna Judd stepped into motherhood in 1994 when she and her then-partner, Arch Kelley III, welcomed their first child, son Elijah. Two years later, daughter Grace Pauline was born. Their arrivals came just as Wynonna was launching her solo career after finding success performing alongside her mother in The Judds.
Motherhood remained central to Wynonna’s life, even as her career and personal relationships evolved. In 2007, her second husband, D.R. Roach, was arrested and later convicted of attempting to commit aggravated sexual battery. Wynonna filed for divorce shortly after, telling Ladies Home Journal, “I am a mother first and foremost. I’m now focused on saving myself and the children.”
In later years, Grace alleged that she had been abused by her former stepfather at a young age and shared complicated feelings about her relationship with Wynonna. Speaking to The Daily Progress in July 2025, Grace said that counseling had been attempted before Roach’s arrest, but added, “She’s a good performer. She was never a mother.
Elijah Judd, 30
Born December 23, 1994, Elijah carries a family name passed down from Wynonna’s great-great-great-grandfather, whom she references in The Judds’ song Guardian Angels. At the time of his birth, Wynonna and Kelley had not yet married. In a 1996 interview, she reflected on becoming a mom, calling Elijah’s arrival “inevitable” and a turning point in her life.
Elijah’s grandmother, Naomi Judd, described him as naturally funny, telling GRANDmagazine in 2007 that he “could be a stand-up comedian” thanks to his quick sense of humor.
Grace Pauline Kelley, 29
Grace was born June 21, 1996. Wynonna later revealed that her daughter’s delivery was a life-threatening experience, saying, “I almost died when I gave birth to Grace.” Despite the difficult start, Wynonna described her love for Grace as unique and powerful. Naomi Judd also spoke fondly of Grace’s strong-willed and creative nature.
As an adult, Grace has faced legal troubles, including arrests related to drug possession and probation violations. She served multiple prison sentences between 2016 and 2023, with her most recent release in late 2022 followed by another brief incarceration in 2023.
Wynonna Judd’s Husband: Cactus Moser
After two marriages that ended in divorce, Wynonna found lasting love with musician Cactus Moser. The two first met in 1989 but reconnected decades later, marrying in 2012. Moser, who has three children of his own, has become a steady presence in Wynonna’s life.
“He’s the most tough and tender man I’ve ever been with that I trust,” Wynonna said in 2022, shortly after the death of her mother Naomi Judd. “We are so connected. It’s crazy how connected we are.”
The couple remains active both personally and professionally, often appearing together at public events, including the 2024 Kentucky Derby where Wynonna performed the national anthem with Moser accompanying her on drums.
