Country Music Legend Jeannie Seely Passes Away at 85
Jeannie Seely, a beloved country music star known for her captivating performances from the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. Since her induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, Seely charmed audiences for decades, with her final performance taking place on February 22, 2023. This remarkable appearance marked her 5,397th performance at the Opry, a record that stands unmatched in the history of the iconic venue.
Seely was not only a prominent figure at the Opry but was also recognized as one of the oldest active female country artists. While the legendary Bill Anderson, at 87, was still performing, Seely’s contributions to country music were unparalleled. Beyond her Opry performances, she connected with younger audiences as the host of a weekly SiriusXM show on Willie’s Roadhouse, a role she held since 2018.
Her publicist announced that Seely passed away at 5 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, due to complications from an intestinal infection. Despite her health challenges in recent years, including multiple surgeries, Seely continued to grace the Opry stage until early this year.
Dolly Parton, a fellow country music icon, shared her heartfelt condolences on Instagram, reminiscing about their friendship. “I have known Jeannie Seely since we were young in Nashville,” Parton wrote. “She was one of my dearest friends and an incredible singer with a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed dearly.”
Sunny Sweeney, a contemporary country artist who admired Seely, reflected on her passing while performing at the Opry on Friday night. “I was rehearsing in Jeannie Seely’s dressing room when she passed across town,” Sweeney shared on Instagram. “I can’t explain the significance of that moment. I will carry her legacy with pride forever.”
Seely’s journey in country music began with her major hit "Don’t Touch Me" in 1966, which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard country chart. Over the years, she produced several other chart-topping hits, including “I’ll Love You (More Than You Need)” and “Can I Sleep in Your Arms.” She received her only Grammy Award for "Don’t Touch Me" in 1967 and remained a vital part of the music scene, releasing her latest album, “An American Classic,” in 2020.
Born in Pennsylvania, Seely’s path to Nashville was paved with determination. After moving to Music City in 1965 with only $50, she faced numerous challenges, including sexism in the industry. Seely was vocal about the struggles women faced in country music, often advocating for greater representation and opportunities.
“The doors were often shut for women,” she recalled in an interview. “But I worked hard to open them.” Her tenacity eventually led to her becoming a trailblazer for female artists in the Opry.
Throughout her career, Seely remained a fan of country music, always striving to connect with audiences across generations. “The Opry is unique; it represents multiple generations on stage and in the audience,” she emphasized.
In honor of her legacy, the Saturday night edition of the Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to Jeannie Seely. Although she did not have any biological children, Seely played a significant role in raising her late husband Hank Cochran’s three sons and was a beloved figure to many.
Reflecting on her life and career, Seely hoped to be remembered as a good person who brought joy and laughter to others. “I never stopped being a fan of country music,” she said. “I just sang and wrote songs for a living.”
Jeannie Seely’s indelible mark on country music will continue to resonate, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her fans and fellow artists alike.
