Legendary country musician Jeannie Seely succumbs at the age of 85
Jeannie Seely, a beloved figure in the country music scene, has passed away at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by her management to US media.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1940, Seely's career in music began at an early age with performances on radio. She made her mark in the country music scene in the mid-1960s and went on to perform on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage for decades.
Seely's most notable duet partner in country music was Jack Greene. Their partnership in the late 1960s and early 1970s produced several hits, including the Top 10 song “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You,” as well as “Much Oblige” (1971) and “What in the World Has Gone Wrong With Our Love” (1972), which earned them recognition and CMA nominations as a cherished vocal pairing.
In her later career, Seely recorded duets on her albums with other country artists such as Willie Nelson, Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, Lorrie Morgan, Jessi Colter, and the late Jan Howard, highlighting collaborations beyond her earlier work with Greene.
One of Seely's most iconic songs was "Don't Touch Me," which she recorded in the 1960s. The hit earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1966.
Seely also made history as the first woman to host the Grand Ole Opry show regularly.
The cause of Seely's death was an infection, and she died in Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville, which was reported by US media.
Seely placed more than a dozen titles in the US top 40 country hits throughout her career, and her contributions to country music will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace, Jeannie Seely.
References:
- AllMusic - Jeannie Seely
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Jeannie Seely
- CMT - Jeannie Seely
- Billboard - Jeannie Seely
In the early days of her career, Jeannie Seely showcased her talent for music on radio, eventually finding fame in the country music scene. Throughout her illustrious career, her contributions to country music entertainment, including collaborations with artists such as Jack Greene, Willie Nelson, and Lorrie Morgan, have left a lasting impact.
