Venerable Grammy awardee, Jeannie Seely, passes away at age 85.
American Country Music Legend Jeannie Seely Passes Away at 85
Jeannie Seely, a trailblazing country music singer and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 85. The news of her death was confirmed by her family, although the exact cause was not disclosed.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1940, Seely moved to California at a young age where she worked in an office before transitioning to a full-time music career. Her career took off in the mid-1960s, and she quickly became a prominent figure in the country music scene.
Seely was a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1967, appearing more times on the iconic stage than any other performer, with over 5,000 appearances across 57 years. She was the first woman to host the Opry show regularly and was known for changing the image of female country performers, including being the first woman to wear a miniskirt on the Opry stage.
Seely's career achievements include multiple top-10 and top-20 country hits such as "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" and "A Wanderin' Man," numerous awards including the Joe Talbot Award from the CMA, and induction into the Music City Walk of Fame and several other honors. Her songwriting earned BMI recognition, with her songs recorded by legendary country artists like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Dottie West.
One of her most notable achievements was her Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Touch Me" (1966), which earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. She also had a successful duet partnership with fellow Opry member Jack Greene, forming one of country music's most successful duet acts and road shows.
Seely's death occurred in Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville, where she had spent much of her later years. Despite her passing, her influence on country music will continue to be felt for years to come.
[1] "Jeannie Seely Biography," AllMusic, accessed March 29, 2023, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jeannie-seely-mn0000664332.
[2] "Jeannie Seely," Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, accessed March 29, 2023, https://countrymusichalloffame.org/jeannie-seely/.
[3] "Jeannie Seely," CMT, accessed March 29, 2023, https://www.cmt.com/artists/jeannie-seely/.
[4] "Jeannie Seely," Billboard, accessed March 29, 2023, https://www.billboard.com/music/jeannie-seely/.
[5] "Jeannie Seely," IMDb, accessed March 29, 2023, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0162297/.
- Jeannie Seely's entertainment career spanned decades, including her time as a country music singer and songwriter, known for hits like "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" and "A Wanderin' Man."
- Seely's legacy in music extends beyond her own recordings, with her songs recorded by legends like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Dottie West, earning BMI recognition.
