Last Friday, August 1st, 2025, the world of country music lost one of its most enduring voices. Jeannie Seely, affectionately known as “Miss Country Soul” and a fixture at the Grand Ole Opry for more than half a century, passed away at the age of 85.
For those unfamiliar, Seely’s chart-topping days came decades ago, with her biggest hit, “Don’t Touch Me,” reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1966. While her name may not have dominated mainstream radio in recent years, her impact on country music — especially for women — is undeniable.
A Trailblazer at the Grand Ole Opry
In 1993, Seely broke a historic barrier, becoming the first regular female host at the Grand Ole Opry — a milestone that, shockingly, took until the 1990s to achieve. She also famously became the first woman to wear a miniskirt on the Opry stage, causing quite a stir at the time.
Over her remarkable 55-year tenure, Seely stepped onto the Opry stage more than 5,200 times, a record unlikely to be broken in our lifetime. To put it into perspective, someone performing every single day starting today wouldn’t catch up until the year 2040.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
The news of her passing sparked heartfelt tributes from across the country music community. Dolly Parton called her a champion for women in the genre, while artists like Carly Pearce and Phil Vassar shared personal memories of her mentorship, laughter, and light.
The Oak Ridge Boys — longtime friends of Seely — also expressed their grief. The group has endured a heartbreaking series of losses in the past 18 months, including the death of member Joe Bonsall in July 2024 and the passing of Dwayne Allen’s wife, Nora Lee, in March 2024.
Dwayne Allen shared a deeply personal connection:
“The last date I had with my Nora Lee was with Jeannie Seely and Jean Ward. A double date with best friends. They are all gone but me.”
A Life of Love and Loss
Seely was married to legendary songwriter Hank Cochran for about a decade. In 2010, she wed Gene Ward, who passed away from cancer in December 2024 — just a month after the Oak Ridge Boys’ last interview with Taste of Country.
Now, with Seely’s passing, yet another bright light from that close-knit circle has gone out.
Final Months and Farewell
Seely had faced health challenges over the past year, enduring several back surgeries and two abdominal surgeries in the spring. She ultimately passed from complications of an intestinal infection.
Her last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage was on February 22, 2025, but she continued hosting her SiriusXM radio show until July 27, just days before her passing.
An Unshakable Legacy
While Jeannie Seely’s chart success may have come decades ago, her role as a pioneer, mentor, and tireless advocate for women in country music ensures her legacy will endure. She lived her life on her own terms, left an indelible mark on the Opry stage, and inspired countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
Rest in peace, Jeannie Seely — a true lady of country music.