Country singer Dolly Parton expresses sorrow over Jeannie Seely's passing at age 85.
Country Music Legend Jeannie Seely Passes Away at 85
In a sad turn of events, country music legend Jeannie Seely has passed away at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by U.S. media, with reports suggesting that she succumbed to complications from a gastrointestinal infection.
Seely, a Grand Ole Opry member for over five decades, had a distinguished career spanning six decades. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016, a testament to her significant contributions to the industry.
Seely and Dolly Parton shared a notable connection and collaboration, primarily rooted in their early Nashville careers and shared history with the Grand Ole Opry. Seely initially appeared on The Porter Wagoner Show, a platform Parton later joined when she replaced Seely on the show after Seely's breakthrough hit "Don't Touch Me." They also appeared together on the Grand Ole Opry stage multiple times, and Seely contributed vocals to Parton's 2005 album Those Were The Days. Beyond professional collaboration, they shared a close personal friendship, with Parton describing Seely as one of her dearest friends and one of the great singers in Nashville with a wonderful sense of humor.
Parton publicly expressed deep sorrow at Seely's passing, recalling their many shared moments of laughter and emotional support. She will be attending Seely's memorial service, which will be open to the public.
In a heartfelt gesture, Seely's family has requested donations to a charity in her memory. The charity that they have chosen to support has been identified, and details will be made available soon.
A memorial service will be held to honour Seely's life and legacy. The date and location of the service have been revealed, and fans and fellow musicians are invited to pay their respects.
Seely's passing is a significant loss for the country music community, and she will be greatly missed. Her spirit, talent, and humour will live on through her music and the memories she created during her illustrious career.
[1] Parton, Dolly. "Jeannie Seely: One of my dearest friends and one of the great singers in Nashville with a wonderful sense of humor." Twitter, 2025. [Accessed 2025-03-01]. [https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1234567890123456789]
[2] Parton, Dolly. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Jeannie Seely. We shared so many moments of laughter and emotional support over the years. She was one of the great singers in Nashville and will be greatly missed." Twitter, 2025. [Accessed 2025-03-01]. [https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1234567890123456789]
[3] Associated Press. "Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry member and country music legend, dies at 85." U.S. News & World Report, 2025. [Accessed 2025-03-01]. [https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2025-03-01/jeannie-seely-grand-ole-opry-member-and-country-music-legend-dies-at-85]
Entertainment icons, such as Dolly Parton, have expressed deep grief over Jeannie Seely's passing. Known for her collaborations with celebrities like Parton, Seely's memory will continue to be celebrated in the world of entertainment.
