Legendary country music artist Jeannie Seely passed away at age 85
Jeannie Seely (1940-2025), a renowned American country music singer, passed away at the age of 85 in Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee. The news was confirmed by her management and reported by U.S. media.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely began her career in music at an early age, performing on local radio. After a stint in banking and the music industry in California, she moved to Nashville where her career took off. She performed on Porter Wagoner's show and signed with Monument Records.
Seely was known for her soulful vocals and rebellious spirit, which challenged norms in the country music scene. She was the first woman to regularly host the Grand Ole Opry show and was noted for her record-breaking 5,397 appearances on the show over 57 years.
One of her most iconic songs, "Don't Touch Me," won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1966. The song, which she recorded as a duet with Jack Greene, reached the US country top five. Seely placed over a dozen titles in the U.S. Top 40 country hits throughout her career.
Seely's death was due to complications from an infection. She will be remembered as a trailblazer who blended soul and country music, crafted memorable hits, and became a revered Opry star, recognized for her contributions to the genre and her role in expanding the space for female artists in country music.
Rest in peace, Miss Country Soul.
References:
- Biography.com
- AllMusic
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Grand Ole Opry
Jeannie Seely's career, rooted in country music, transitioned from local radio performances in Pennsylvania to acclaimed appearances on the Grand Ole Opry show in Nashville, Tennessee. Her soulful vocals and rebellious spirit, breaking norms in the country music scene, led to her renown as an entertainer, particularly noted for her iconic duet with Jack Greene, "Don't Touch Me," which won a Grammy award.
