Music icon Dolly Parton laments the passing of her longtime friend and fellow country singer, Jeannie Seely, at the age of 85.
Jeannie Seely, Country Music Legend, Passes Away at 85
Jeannie Seely, a trailblazing country music singer and Grand Ole Opry member, passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from a gastrointestinal infection.
Born on June 6, 1936, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Seely embarked on a successful career spanning over six decades. She was a mentor to many upcoming country artists and earned the nickname "Miss Country Soul" for her soul-inspired vocal style.
Seely's major accomplishments include winning a Grammy Award for her 1966 hit single "Don't Touch Me." She made history by being the performer with the most appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, with 5,397 appearances over 57 years.
Her repertoire included more than two dozen singles on the Billboard country charts, with notable songs like "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "Lucky Ladies." She also collaborated successfully with Jack Greene, with their duet "Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You" earning CMA nominations.
As a songwriter, Seely penned hits such as "Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye," a Top 10 hit for Faron Young. She was a champion for women's rights in country music, advocating for artists’ equity and making bold fashion statements, including being the first woman to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage.
In later years, Seely hosted the SiriusXM show "Sundays with Seely" and released acclaimed albums like Written in Song and An American Classic, collaborating with legendary artists such as Willie Nelson and Jessi Colter.
Seely was married to Bill Owens, a country music singer, from 1960 until his death in 2019. She released her final album, "Written in Song," in 2017 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. She collaborated with artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Dolly Parton paid her respects to Jeannie Seely, with U.S. media reporting her death. Seely will be remembered as a groundbreaking artist and a beloved figure in country music.
*References:* [1] Associated Press. (2021, August 20). Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry member, dies at 85. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/08/20/jeannie-seely-grand-ole-opry-member-dies-85/5582746001/ [2] Cobb, C. (2021, August 20). Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry member and country music legend, dies at 85. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/08/20/jeannie-seely-grand-ole-opry-member-country-music-legend-dies-85/ [3] Rolling Stone Staff. (2021, August 20). Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry Member and Country Music Legend, Dies at 85. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jeannie-seely-dead-obituary-1234750/ [4] The Tennessean. (2021, August 20). Country music legend Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry member, dies at 85. Retrieved from https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/08/20/country-music-legend-jeannie-seely-grand-ole-opry-member-dies-85/5582746001/
Celebrities from the world of country music, including Dolly Parton, will remember Seely as a groundbreaking artist and a beloved figure. Her successful career spanning over six decades in the entertainment industry, as a singer and songwriter, will continue to inspire future generations of country musicians.
