UPDATE: Country music legend Jeannie Seely has passed away at the age of 85. She died on February 23, 2024, in Nashville due to complications from an intestinal infection, marking a profound loss for the music community.
Seely, renowned for her Grammy Award-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me,” made an indelible mark on the country music scene. Her breakout single, released in 1996, not only earned her a Grammy nomination but also secured her win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. That song became a defining moment in her career, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and peaking at No. 85 on the Hot 100.
Her contributions extended beyond her own performances; Seely was a prolific songwriter, penning hits for other artists, including “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye” for Faron Young. Throughout her career, she released a total of 17 studio albums, with her latest project, An American Classic, debuting in 2020 and featuring collaborations with stars like Willie Nelson.
Seely’s legacy includes her historic role as the first female regular host and emcee at the Grand Ole Opry, where she performed over 5,000 times. She was inducted into the Opry in 1967 and remained a beloved figure on that stage until her final performance in February 2024.
Tributes are pouring in from fellow artists. Singer Tim Atwood expressed his sorrow, stating, “It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it.” Meanwhile, Dolly Parton shared on Instagram, “She was one of my dearest friends… she will be missed.”
Seely’s husband, Gene Ward, passed away in December, adding to the emotional weight of her loss. As fans and fellow musicians mourn, the impact of her music and spirit is sure to resonate for generations.
The country music community is left reeling from this sudden loss, and Seely’s contributions will be remembered during this difficult time. Her influence on the genre and her vibrant personality made her a cherished figure, and she will be deeply missed.
