Legendary country artist Jeannie Seely passes away at the age of 85. - Music icon Jeannie Seely passes away at the age of 85.
Jeannie Seely, a legendary figure in country music, passed away on Friday at the age of 85 in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for her soulful vocals and trailblazing career, Seely leaves behind a rich legacy in the genre.
Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely discovered her passion for music at a young age. Her journey in country music began with local radio and television stations, before she moved to Nashville after a brief stint in California's banking industry. A record deal with Challenge Records paved her way into the music industry.
Seely's big breakthrough came in 1966 with "Don't Touch Me," a song written by Hank Cochran that propelled her to number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The success earned her the nickname "Miss Country Soul." Over the years, she released several top-10 and top-20 songs, such as "A Wanderin' Man" (1967) and "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" (1968). Her discography includes more than two dozen chart hits, including "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "Lucky Ladies."
In 1967, Seely became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, making music history as the first woman to regularly host segments of the famous show. She performed on the esteemed stage over 5,300 times, making her one of the most active artists at the venue. Her last performance at the Grand Ole Opry was in February of this year.
Seely was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits for other artists in the country music industry. Some of her notable compositions include "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye" for Faron Young and "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You," a duet with Jack Greene.
In addition to her music career, Seely was a record producer, actor, author, and DJ. In 2018, she launched her own SiriusXM show, "Sundays With Seely." She was also recognised for her contributions to country music culture, earning the Joe Talbot Award from the Country Music Association (CMA) in 1967.
Seely's career was marked by numerous accolades. In 1964, she won the “Most Promising Female Artist” award from the Country and Western Academy (now ACM Awards). She triumphed in the category of "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" at the Grammys for "Don't Touch Me."
Seely's husband, Gene Ward, passed away from cancer in December. Her longtime friend Dolly Parton bid farewell to her on Instagram, expressing her deep sorrow and admiration for Seely's talent and sense of humor.
Seely's latest album, "An American Classic," was released in 2020. The album features duet partners like Willie Nelson, Ray Stevens, and Lorrie Morgan.
The music world remembers Seely as an extraordinary artist, with singer Tim Atwood stating that the Opry show will never shine as bright without Seely at its center. Her passing has left a void in country music that will be difficult to fill.
Dolly Parton, a fellow country music legend, expressed her condolences for Jeannie Seely on Instagram, acknowledging Seely's talent and humor. Seely's music, spanning over five decades, earned her accolades from renowned platforms such as the Grammys and the Grammy Awards, making her a globally recognized figure in the entertainment world, alongside Dolly Parton and others.
