BREAKING: Country music icon Jeannie Seely has died at the age of 85 in Nashville. Seely passed away on Friday from complications related to an intestinal infection, leaving behind a profound legacy in the music industry.
Seely, known for her groundbreaking hit “Don’t Touch Me,” achieved remarkable success after its release in 1996. The song, penned by Hank Cochran, earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, marking her as a pioneering force in country music.
As a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, Seely was the first woman to regularly host and emcee segments on the legendary stage. Over her illustrious career, she performed more than 5,000 shows at the venue, establishing herself as one of its most beloved artists.
Seely was born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Her passion for music ignited at an early age, leading her to local radio and television appearances. After a brief stint in banking, she moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams, signing with Challenge Records and launching her career.
Her breakthrough hit, “Don’t Touch Me,” peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and even reached No. 85 on the Hot 100. Seely went on to release over two dozen singles, including notable tracks such as “Can I Sleep in Your Arms,” later recorded by Willie Nelson.
In addition to her own musical achievements, Seely wrote songs for other artists, including “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye” for Faron Young. She later collaborated with fellow country star Jack Greene, with their duet “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” reaching No. 2 on the Hot Country Singles chart.
Seely’s discography includes 17 studio albums, with her most recent, An American Classic, released in 2020. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists like Nelson, Ray Stevens, and Lorrie Morgan. In 2018, she also launched her SiriusXM show, Sundays with Seely.
Her final performance at the Grand Ole Opry took place in February 2023, a poignant farewell to her fans and the country music community. In a heartfelt tribute, singer Tim Atwood expressed, “It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it. The Opry spotlight will never shine as brightly without her.”
“I have known Jeanie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,” shared friend Dolly Parton on Instagram. “She was one of my dearest friends. She will be missed.”
Seely is survived by her late husband, Gene Ward, who passed away in December 2022. This loss marks a significant moment in country music history, as the community reflects on her contributions and the indelible mark she left on the industry.
As fans and fellow artists mourn her passing, the music world will surely feel the void left by this remarkable talent. Stay tuned for more updates on tributes and memorials honoring Jeannie Seely’s extraordinary life and career.