Jeannie Seely’s revolutionary journey to the Grand Ole Opry, from miniskirts to 5,300 performances
The Pain of a Final Farewell
Jeannie Seely died on August 1, 2025, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, at the age of 85.
Complications of an intestinal infection took her from us after a year of health struggles.
Last year she faced challenges such as multiple back surgeries, two emergency abdominal operations, an 11-day ICU stay and pneumonia.
From Village to Fame
Born in 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania and raised in Townville, Jeannie began performing on local radio at just 11 years old.
After moving to California in 1961 and working in banking and a record company, she turned to music writing and eventually joined Monument Records in Nashville.
‘Don’t Touch Me’ took over the world
Her 1966 single “Don’t Touch Me” became a crossover hit—reaching No.
2 on the US Hot Country Songs chart—and won her a Grammy for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance.
Hits such as “It’s Only Love”, “A Wanderin’ Man”, and a 1969 duet with Jack Greene “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” also reached No. 2.
Grand Ole Opry glory
Joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, Jeannie became one of its most devoted members, performing more than 5,300 times—more than any other artist in the show’s 100-year history!
Known as “Miss Country Soul”, she challenged the Opry’s conservative rules by wearing miniskirts and campaigning for women to host segments.
In 1985, she became the first female MC—and paved the way for equality for women on country’s most prestigious music show.
A legacy that will last
In addition to the Opry, Jeannie wrote songs for artists such as Connie Smith, Dottie West, toured with Willie Nelson, recorded more than 15 studio albums, starred in musicals, and hosted “Sundays with Seely” on SiriusXM.
A four-time CMA nominee, she will receive the Joe Talbot Award for preserving country music traditions in 2023.
At the time of her death, she was creating new compositions and performing until early 2025.
She is survived by family, friends, and her beloved cat Corrie.
The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate the August 2 show to her memory.
Summary:
“Miss Country Soul” Jeannie Seely gave more than 5,300 performances at the Grand Ole Opry, challenging conventions by wearing miniskirts and paving new paths for female artists. She passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a great legacy.