Jeannie Seely. Photo credit: Cyndi Hornsby
Los Angeles, California (August 5, 2025)- Jeannie Seely, the Grammy-winning country music trailblazer and beloved star of the Grand Ole Opry, passed away on Friday, August 1, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. She was 85. Her publicist confirmed her death was due to complications from an intestinal infection, following a period of battling health issues that included multiple surgeries.
Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul” for her distinctive vocal style, Seely’s career spanned decades and was defined by her fierce nonconformity. She broke barriers for women in country music, not only through her artistry but also through her actions. In 1967, she made history as the first woman to regularly host Opry segments and famously became the first artist to wear a miniskirt on the Opry stage, challenging traditional norms for female entertainers. Her groundbreaking Grammy-winning song, “Don’t Touch Me,” became a signature hit, and she found further success with duets alongside Jack Greene, including “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You.”
Seely’s legacy at the Grand Ole Opry is unparalleled. Inducted on September 16, 1967, she went on to make a record-breaking 5,397 appearances, more than any other artist in the show’s 100-year history. Her final Opry performance took place on February 22, showcasing her enduring commitment to the stage she called home. Throughout her career, she was also a prolific songwriter, with her compositions recorded by country legends such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Connie Smith.
Right up until her passing, Seely remained a creative force. In recent years, she released the album An American Classic (2020) and the single “Suffertime” (2024). She also hosted her weekly show, Sundays With Seely, on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channel. Her contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the CMA’s prestigious Joe Talbot Award in 2023 and the SAG-AFTRA studio space on Music Row being named in her honor in April 2025.
Her impact on the country music community was celebrated in a heartfelt statement from Dan Rogers, Sr. Vice President of the Grand Ole Opry. “Jeannie Seely was one-of-a-kind across the board: as an entertainer, friend, and human being,” he said. “She gave it her all with every single Opry performance. All 5,397 of them. She is loved so much and will never be forgotten.” Sarah Tarhern, CEO of the Country Music Association, added, “She mentored countless artists, especially women… That humility was part of her magic.” In her memory, the Grand Ole Opry’s Saturday show will be dedicated to her. Seely is survived by her beloved cat, Corrie, and many friends and family.
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