Dolly Parton Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Friend Jeannie Seely: “She Will Be Missed”
Country music legend Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her longtime friend and fellow Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely, who passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Seely, best known for her Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me,” died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, after enduring several health challenges. The cause of death was confirmed as complications arising from an intestinal infection.
Seely’s final year was marked by health struggles, including multiple emergency abdominal surgeries, vertebrae repair operations, and a battle with pneumonia that led to an extended ICU stay. Despite these challenges, the ever-spirited singer remained optimistic. In May, she quipped from her recovery bed, “Rehab is pretty tough, but each day is looking brighter. Last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel — and it was neon, so I knew it was mine!” Her humor and resilience remained intact to the end, earning her the nickname “The Unsinkable Seely.”
Following the sad news of Seely’s passing, Dolly Parton took to Instagram to share a deeply emotional message. “I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville. She was one of my dearest friends,” Parton wrote. “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.”
Parton and Seely’s friendship dates back to the late 1960s, when Dolly replaced Jeannie on The Porter Wagoner Show after Seely left to tour in support of her rising solo career. Their bond deepened over the years through appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, and Jeannie later lent her vocals to Dolly’s 2005 album “Those Were The Days.” Their relationship was a rare example of enduring female camaraderie in the often-competitive world of country music.
Seely’s death has also deeply touched fans and peers alike, with thousands leaving messages of love and condolences on Dolly’s post. One fan wrote, “Oh Ms. Dolly, my heart is broken for you and all those who loved Jeannie so much. Sending you so much love and strength during this time.” Another added, “She was a trailblazer. Her music and humor will live on forever.”
Born in 1940, Jeannie Seely carved out an influential career that spanned more than six decades. In 1967, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, eventually performing there over 5,000 times — more than any other artist in the Opry’s history. Her legacy includes iconic songs such as “It’s Only Love” and “Can I Sleep in Your Arms.”
Tragically, Jeannie’s passing comes just months after Dolly’s own personal heartbreak — the death of her husband Carl Dean on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. The couple had been married for nearly 59 years. In her announcement at the time, Dolly said, “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The country music community is left mourning the loss of one of its most cherished voices, while also rallying around Parton, who in one year has endured the loss of both a beloved spouse and a lifelong friend. Still, both women leave behind rich legacies built not only on music, but on resilience, friendship, and unshakable faith in who they were.
Jeannie Seely may be gone, but to those who knew and loved her — especially Dolly — her voice and laughter will echo on, night after night, on the sacred stage of the Grand Ole Opry and beyond.
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