Marilyn Jeanne Seely, the Grammy-winning country music icon known as Jeannie Seely, passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. She died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Seely had been battling several health issues in the months leading up to her death, including multiple back surgeries, emergency abdominal surgeries, and a bout of pneumonia. Her death comes months after the loss of her husband, Gene Ward, who died of cancer in December 2024.
Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely was raised on a farm near Townville. Her father was a farmer and steel mill worker who played the banjo at square dances, and her mother enjoyed singing. Seely's early exposure to music included listening to the Grand Ole Opry radio broadcasts and performing on local radio and television stations.
After graduating high school, Seely moved to Los Angeles and worked as a secretary at Imperial Records. She began writing songs and performing, eventually signing with Challenge Records in 1964. Encouraged by songwriter Hank Cochran, she moved to Nashville in 1965 to pursue her country music career.
Seely's breakthrough came in 1966 with "Don't Touch Me," written by Hank Cochran. The song reached number two on the Billboard Country chart and earned Seely a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1967. The success of "Don't Touch Me" led to her invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1967. She was the first singer to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage, ushering the show into a new era. She made a record 5,397 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, more than any other performer. The Grand Ole Opry dedicated its August 2nd presentation to Seely.
Nicknamed "Miss Country Soul" for her soulful vocal style, Seely released several more top-20 hits in the late 1960s, including "It's Only Love" and "A Wanderin' Man". In 1969, she formed a duet partnership with Jack Greene, and their song "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" reached number two on the country charts. Seely and Greene toured together for a decade and were nominated four times for the Country Music Association's "Vocal Duo of the Year" award.
Seely's solo career continued in the 1970s with popular singles like "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "Lucky Ladies". She continued to write songs for other artists, including Faron Young's "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye". A car accident in 1977 briefly halted her career, but she returned to recording and performing in the 1980s.
Seely's songwriting credits include songs recorded by Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb, and many others. She also had an acting career, appearing in the Willie Nelson film Honeysuckle Rose and stage productions such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She hosted her own SiriusXM radio show on Willie's Roadhouse.
Jeannie Seely was known for her big heart, emotion-packed voice, and salty wisecracks. She was a trailblazer for women in country music, and she mentored many newcomers to the industry. Seely received the honorary Joe Talbot Award in 2023, recognizing her leadership and contributions to country music's values and traditions. She will be remembered as a beloved figure in country music and a true Grand Ole Opry legend.
Seely is survived by close friends and her cat, Corrie.
