Just 30 minutes ago, the country music world was struck with heartbreaking news: the family of Jeannie Seely, the Grammy-winning artist and Grand Ole Opry icon, confirmed that she has passed away at the age of 85 in Nashville, Tennessee.

A Legendary Voice Falls Silent

Jeannie Seely, affectionately nicknamed “Miss Country Soul”, leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the country music scene for over six decades.

Seely first rose to prominence with her 1966 Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me”. Her sultry, emotive voice and her heartfelt lyrics quickly made her a household name. In 1967, she joined the Grand Ole Opry, becoming one of its most celebrated and enduring performers. According to the Opry, she graced its stage 5,397 times, more than nearly any other artist in history.

Her influence stretched far beyond her chart-topping singles. Jeannie was also known as a mentor to rising artists, often described by peers as “the heart and soul of the Opry.”

Health Struggles in Her Final Years

Despite her illustrious career and tireless dedication to performing, Seely faced significant health challenges in recent years. In early 2025, she was hospitalized for intestinal complications, requiring multiple surgeries and an extended stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).

While she had shown signs of recovery and even expressed hope of returning to the Opry stage, her health took a sudden turn for the worse in the past week. Her family, who has asked for privacy during this time of mourning, issued a short but emotional statement confirming her passing.

Tributes Pour In From Across the Country Music Community

Almost immediately after the news broke, tributes flooded social media from fans, friends, and fellow country music legends.

• Dolly Parton shared: “We’ve lost a true treasure today. Jeannie’s voice and spirit will live on forever in our hearts and on the Opry stage.”

• Reba McEntire wrote: “Jeannie Seely was one of the kindest, most supportive artists I ever knew. Country music won’t be the same without her.”

The Grand Ole Opry also released a statement, calling her “a cornerstone of our family and a voice that will echo in our halls forever.”