Jeannie Seely, the iconic country music singer known for her soulful voice and decades-long career, has passed away at the age of 85.
Seely, who had been battling health issues for much of 2025, died on Friday, August 1, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee due to complications from an intestinal infection.
Her passing follows a difficult year, including the loss of her husband Gene Ward to cancer in December 2024. She had also undergone several surgeries, including back surgeries and emergency abdominal operations, and had spent time in the intensive care unit battling pneumonia.
A Glorious Career in Country Music
Jeannie Seely’s contribution to country music is undeniable. She made her mark with the hit song “Don’t Touch Me” in 1966, which earned her a Grammy nomination. Over the years, she released multiple hits like “A Wanderin’ Man,” “I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need),” and the 1969 duet “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” with Jack Greene.
Seely was also a dedicated member of the Grand Ole Opry, where she performed over 5,300 times. Her connection with the Opry began at a young age when she would listen to it on the radio, and she eventually became a member in 1967.
For Seely, the Opry was a “way of life,” and she worked hard to modernize and make the stage more inclusive for women, including pushing for women to host Opry segments.
Early Life and Passion for Country Music
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1940, Seely was the youngest of four children. She knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in country music. At just 8 years old, she told PEOPLE in 2022, she knew she wanted to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry family.
Seely began her career by performing on local radio at age 11 and moved to California in 1961 to pursue music full-time. It was there that she worked as a secretary for Imperial Records before signing her own recording contract.
Achievements and Legacy
Seely was not only known for her powerful voice but also for her perseverance and dedication to the country music industry. She became one of the first women to host the Opry segment in 1985 and was a trailblazer for female country artists. Her legacy includes over 15 studio albums and four CMA Award nominations.
In 2023, Seely received the Joe Talbot Award, an honor recognizing her contributions to preserving and advancing country music’s values.
She continued performing and recording music even in her later years, releasing the song “Suffertime” in 2024. Seely celebrated her 55th anniversary with the Opry in 2022, having made a record-breaking 5,200+ appearances.
Personal Life
In 2010, Seely married Gene Ward, a Nashville attorney, who passed away in 2024. She is survived by extended family, friends, and her “special cat,” Corrie.
Seely was preceded in death by her husband and parents, as well as her siblings Donald Seely, Bernard Seely, and Mary Lou Seely Lang.
A Final Farewell
The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate its August 2 show to Jeannie Seely, honoring her immense impact on the country music world. Her legacy will live on through her music, her trailblazing work for women in the industry, and her countless performances that inspired millions.
