By Thomas Chau in Los Angeles

When one thinks of music and the Judd family, it’s probably not surprising that Naomi and Wyonna’s names are the first names that come to mind. On July 2nd, however, Ashley will get her chance to shine.

Ashley Judd co-stars in “De-Lovely,” the true-life musical drama from acclaimed director Irwin Winkler (“Life as a House”). “De-Lovely” tells the story of Cole Porter (Kevin Kline), one of the greatest songwriters and playwrights of the last century. His musicals such as “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Leave it to Me” have become some of the most memorable works of the industry. Cole’s private life, however, was both tender and tragic as he often engaged in a promiscuous homosexual lifestyle with the rich and famous. His wife, the socialite Linda Porter (Ashley Judd), stood by his side throughout his life and often served as a muse for many of his love songs. She often grappled with Cole’s behavior but still managed to have a love for him like no other person could have given.

Judd talked to us at a press day in Los Angeles and below is what she had to tell us about her upcoming movie.

Q: Did you get a chance to speak with anyone who knew Linda Porter?

ASHLEY: I really wish. We even contacted the Cole Porter estate to see if there were any moving picture documentation, or if there was something from a movie premiere. According to the Cole Porter estate, there wasn’t. I’m still hoping to do a little more research, particularly with the Kentucky historical society through the social clubs and whatnot in Louisville. All I know is that she was born into a very well regarded family of considerable social standing but they didn’t have a lot of money.

Q: Were there a lot of photos of her?

ASHLEY: Oh yes, and by important photographers. Really pretty pictures.

Q: Was she as fashionable as she was in the movies?

ASHLEY: Probably even more so. We try to do it justice and we’re certainly aided and embedded by Armani, Verdura, etc.. but there was literally an expression of the day, very “Linda Porter”-ish and that was to describe somebody who was beautifully turned out, impeccably cut clothes, really simple, highest quality and a lot of jewelry.

Q: Would you call this a love story?

ASHLEY: Absolutely. Unconventional but definitely a love story.

Q: Can you talk about your approach to singing? We hear that you were a little apprehensive about it at first.

ASHLEY: I wasn’t smart enough to have any apprehension about it at first and I have a healthy enough ego to think that I could do a reasonable, if not outright pleasant, job. On the day, it ended up being a real crisis of confidence for me. My knees were knocking.

Q: Did you go to your sister or mother for advice?

ASHLEY: I should have. I should have but I didn’t.

Q: Given Cole’s nature of experimenting with men, what do you think it was that Linda saw in him?

ASHLEY: I think it’s what he saw in her because he loved her authentically for who she was and I think that as important as sex is, it doesn’t have to be the cornerstone of every enduring human relationship.

Q: Why do you think Cole Porter’s music is so immortal?

ASHLEY: I’m not sure I can say something that’s totally original but definitely something that’s sincere. He was definitely a genius. I think that his biography is really gripping and as we see in our unfortunate, contemporary pop culture, people are really fascinated by people’s stories. Cole’s lyrics were completely explicit, incredibly witty, and extremely intelligent. They, at times, were the highest order of poetry. But all the while, they were extremely personal, and really on the razor’s edge of what the experience was like at that given moment, whether it was something with Linda, or falling in love with Boris, or Boris leaving, or onto the next. They described both internally and externally what was happening in their lives. I think that’s part of why they’re so wonderful.

Q: If you could have one superhero power, what would you choose and why?

ASHLEY: To not have to do press. (Laughs) To promote my movies without having to be in day 5 of an 11 day junket when I have a cold.

"De-Lovely" opens in limited release July 2nd and will expand nationwide July 23rd.