Los Angles , US
The country music world is mourning the loss of a true pioneer, as singer and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely has passed away at the age of 85. The Grammy-winning artist, known as “Miss Country Soul” for her emotionally rich vocals and spirited personality, died on Friday after a period of declining health.
Seely, whose career spanned over six decades, was a beloved and enduring presence on the country music scene. She was a trailblazer for women in the genre, celebrated for her nonconformity and for a string of hits in the 1960s and 70s. Her signature song, “Don’t Touch Me,” won her a Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
A dedicated member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, Seely made more than 5,300 appearances on the iconic stage—a record for any artist. She was also the first woman to regularly host segments of the Opry, breaking barriers and helping to pave the way for future generations of female performers. Seely was famously known for wearing a miniskirt on the Opry stage, a bold move at the time that helped challenge the traditional image of women in country music.
Beyond her performing career, Seely was an accomplished songwriter whose compositions were recorded by legends like Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, and Willie Nelson. In her later years, she continued to be an active part of the music community, hosting her own show, “Sunday’s with Seely,” on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel and releasing new albums.
Jeannie Seely leaves behind a legacy as a powerful voice, an innovative artist, and a champion for songwriters and women in country music. Her contributions to the genre will be remembered by fans and fellow artists for generations to come.
