Grammy-winning country singer Jeannie Seely has died aged 85
Jeannie Seely, known also as ‘Miss Country Soul’, has passed away just eight months after her husband on August 1st.
Her representative, Don Murray Grubbs, reported to Rolling Stone that the country singer passed away due to complications from an intestinal infection. This followed several health issues that began in earnest last autumn.
Seely has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967. Over the span of more than five decades, she appeared on the show over 5,000 times.
Seely’s first hitt, ‘Don’t Touch Me’ landed her a Grammy for ‘Best Country & Western Vocal Performance – Female’ in 1966. Following their initial collaborative success, Seely and songwriter Hank Cochran began a professional relationship, with Seely recording a string of his songs, such as 1967’s ‘I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)’ and 1968’s ‘Welcome Home to Nothing’. In 1969, they married.
In the Opry’s tribute to Seely, the music venue paid tribute to her pioneering efforts, stating: “In her 57 years as an Opry member, she is recognized for changing the image of female country performers with her bold fashion statements, championed efforts to support and enhance women’s roles in the music industry and was quite proud to be the first female to host a segment of the Opry.”
They also noted how she “became the third female artist to win a Grammy and penned chart-topping hits for herself and many others.” Beyond this, she also hosted “Sundays with Seely,” her charming personality making for a great media character.
Tributes for the star have been pouring in. In particular, fellow country singer Dolly Parton wrote of her grief on social media, stating, “I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville. She was one of my dearest friends. I think she was one of the greater singers in Nashville and she had a wonderful sense of humour.”
Parton continued, “We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together and she will be missed.”
Seely follows her husband, Gene Ward, who passed away in December 2024.
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