Country Music Legend Jeannie Seely Dies at 85
Country Music Legend Jeannie Seely Dies at 85
Jeannie Seely, beloved Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy-winning country singer, has passed away at 85. She died on August 1, 2025, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, from complications related to an intestinal infection.
Seely was a country music trailblazer best known for her 1966 hit “Don’t Touch Me.” The song earned her a Grammy Award and launched a career that would span nearly six decades. She went on to release over 15 studio albums, collaborate with artists like Jack Greene and Willie Nelson, and rack up 5,397 performances at the Grand Ole Opry—more than any other performer.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely dreamed of joining the Opry since childhood. She made her Opry debut in the late 1960s and became a full-time member in 1967. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely helped modernize the Opry, famously challenging the venue’s outdated dress codes and pushing for more opportunities for female performers. In 1985, she became the first woman to host an Opry segment.
Beyond her singing, Seely also made her mark as a songwriter, co-writing the enduring hit “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand).”
Her career included acting roles, duets, and tireless advocacy for women in country music.
Seely continued performing and recording music into her 80s. Her final release, “Suffertime,” came in 2024. Despite recent health challenges, including multiple surgeries, she remained passionate about her craft.
Jeannie Seely is survived by extended family, close friends, and her beloved cat, Corrie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Ward, in 2024. The August 2 Grand Ole Opry show will be dedicated in her honor, celebrating the life and legacy of a true country music icon.
