Beloved Country Music Pioneer, Age 85, Passes Away - Legendary figure from the country passes away at 85 years old
Jeannie Seely, Country Music Legend, Passes Away at 85
Jeannie Seely, a beloved figure in country music, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 85 years old. Seely's career spanned over five decades, during which she made an indelible mark on the genre.
Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely discovered her passion for music at a young age. After performing on local radio and television stations, she moved to Nashville, where she signed a record deal with Challenge Records, marking her entry into the music industry.
Seely's big breakthrough came in 1966 with the song "Don't Touch Me," written by Hank Cochran. The soul-inspired vocal style of this hit earned her the nickname "Miss Country Soul" and a Grammy Award. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and Seely went on to have over two dozen singles chart on Billboard’s country charts, including other top hits like "A Wanderin' Man" and "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)."
Seely formed a successful duo with Jack Greene during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their duet "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Seely also co-wrote hits for other artists, including "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye" for Faron Young.
In 1967, Seely became a member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry, making history as the first woman to regularly host segments of the show. She went on to make over 5,000 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, more than any other performer, reflecting her enduring presence in country music. Her final performance at the Grand Ole Opry took place in February of 2025.
In 2018, Seely launched her own SiriusXM show, "Sundays With Seely." She was also a Grammy winner and a longtime radio personality. In addition to her singing career, Seely was a songwriter, record producer, actress, author, and DJ. Her latest album, "An American Classic," was released in 2020 and featured duet partners like Willie Nelson, Ray Stevens, and Lorrie Morgan.
Seely is survived by her husband, Gene Ward, who passed away from cancer in December. Her life and career will be deeply missed by the country music community and her countless fans.
[1] Biography.com [2] AllMusic [3] Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum [4] CMT [5] Rolling Stone
Today, the US media mourns the loss of country music legend Jeannie Seely, who passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 85. The music industry, pop-culture enthusiasts, and celebrities across entertainment are expressing their sadness over the loss of a beloved figure in country music. Seely's influence, spanning five decades, marked her as a trailblazer in the industry, with her contributions to music, radio, and television exemplifying her versatility in the realm of country soul, pop, and contemporary country.
