Country Music Mourns Jeannie Seely, ‘Miss Country Soul,’ Dead at 85
On August 1, 2025, the country music world lost one of its most enduring and beloved voices as Jeannie Seely, known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” passed away at the age of 85 in Hermitage, Tennessee. Her death came as a result of complications from an intestinal infection, capping off a challenging year of health issues that included multiple surgeries and a battle with pneumonia.
Seely, whose career spanned more than six decades, leaves behind a legacy of both musical excellence and fearless trailblazing. Best known for her 1966 Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me,” Seely helped reshape the role of women in country music with her deep, emotional voice and unapologetically bold presence on and off stage. That song not only defined her as an artist but opened doors for future generations of female singers in the genre.
Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Jeannie’s love for music was apparent from a young age. She performed on local radio and television before moving to Nashville, where her career took flight. In 1967, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, marking the beginning of a remarkable relationship with the legendary institution. Her bond with the Opry was so profound that she eventually became the most frequent performer in its 100-year history, gracing its stage 5,397 times—with her final performance taking place in February 2025.
Beyond her vocal talents, Seely was a trailblazer in many other ways. She was the first woman to regularly host segments of the Grand Ole Opry and one of the first to wear a mini-skirt on its hallowed stage, challenging long-standing traditions and redefining how women could present themselves in the country music world.
Her death prompted an immediate and emotional response from the country music community. At the Grand Ole Opry show following her passing, the evening was dedicated entirely to her memory. The show began with a moment of silence and included touching tributes from peers such as Bill Anderson and members of Riders in the Sky, who spoke of Seely’s wit, perseverance, and passion for country music.
Among the most poignant tributes came from Dolly Parton, a longtime friend and fellow icon. “She was one of my dearest friends,” Parton shared on social media. “I think she was one of the greater singers in Nashville, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together, and she will be missed.”
In addition to her music, Seely was active in philanthropy and education, receiving numerous honors, including an honorary Doctor of Arts degree recognizing her impact on American music. Even in her 80s, she continued performing and recording. In 2024, she made history again by returning to RCA Studio B, recording new material 60 years after her first session there.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for August 14, 2025, at the Grand Ole Opry House, where family, fans, and fellow artists will gather to honor a woman whose voice and vision helped shape modern country music.
From small-town radio in Pennsylvania to the pinnacle of country music fame, Jeannie Seely carved a path all her own—gritty, graceful, and unmistakably hers. Her influence will continue to be felt in every note sung by the women she paved the way for, and in every standing ovation from the stage she called home.