Legendary Grammy-winning artist Jeannie Seely passes away at the age of 85
Jeannie Seely, a renowned figure in country music, passed away in 2022 at the age of 85, following complications from an infection. The news of her death was reported by U.S. media, with her management confirming the sad event.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1940, Seely began her career in music at an early age, performing on radio stations. Her professional journey in country music commenced in the mid-1960s, and she quickly rose to fame with her hit song "Don't Touch Me," for which she won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1966.
Throughout her career, Seely placed over a dozen titles in the U.S. Top 40 country hits. One of her most notable collaborations was with Jack Greene, with whom she formed a beloved duet partnership in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their hits, such as "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You," earned CMA nominations and became one of country music's cherished vocal pairings.
In her later career, Seely continued to collaborate with prominent artists such as Willie Nelson, Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and Lorrie Morgan. She also recorded duets with Jessi Colter and the late Jan Howard, showcasing the camaraderie among influential women in country music.
Seely's most significant and celebrated duet partner was Jack Greene, with whom she shared multiple hits and touring success[1][3][4][5].
In addition to her musical achievements, Seely made history by becoming the first woman to regularly host the Grand Ole Opry. She performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage for decades, entertaining audiences with her unique voice and charismatic stage presence.
After moving to California, Seely initially worked in an office before transitioning to music. She eventually returned to her hometown of Nashville, where she continued her successful career in country music.
Seely passed away in Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville. The exact cause of the infection that led to her death is not specified in the article.
[1] "Jeannie Seely: A Retrospective." Country Music People, 1 Jan. 2020, www.countrymusicpeople.com/jeannie-seely-a-retrospective/. [2] "Jeannie Seely." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/artist/jeannie-seely-mn0000926264. [3] "Jeannie Seely." Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeannie_Seely. [4] "Jeannie Seely." Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, www.countrymusichalloffame.org/inductees/jeannie-seely. [5] "Jeannie Seely." CMT, www.cmt.com/artists/jeannie-seely/bio-1001649.
While Jeannie Seely was renowned for her contributions to country music, her passion for entertainment also branched into other realms. Her love for music led her to perform on radio stations at an early age, embarking on a career that later expanded to include hit songs, cherished collaborations, and even a historic role as the first female host of the Grand Ole Opry, an iconic platform for country music performers.
