Jeannie Seely, celebrated for her soulful voice and hits like "Don't Touch Me," has passed away at the age of 85. Her publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, confirmed that she died on Friday after battling complications from an intestinal infection.
Known affectionately as "Miss Country Soul," Seely was a pioneering figure in country music, recognized for her distinctive vocal style and her defiance of traditional norms. Her career flourished during the '60s and '70s, a time when she produced a series of memorable hits.
In recent months, Seely faced significant health challenges, including multiple back surgeries and a bout of pneumonia. In May, she shared her recovery journey, stating, "Rehab is pretty tough, but each day is looking brighter and last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. And it was neon, so I knew it was mine!"
Tributes poured in following her passing, with Dolly Parton recalling their early days in Nashville. "She was one of my dearest friends," Parton expressed on social media. "I think she was one of the greater singers in Nashville and she had a wonderful sense of humor." Charlie Daniels also honored her legacy, calling her "a national treasure, and one fine lady."
Born in July 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely's passion for music ignited early. Her mother sang while her father played the banjo, fostering her love for country music. By her early twenties, she had moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, working with Liberty and Imperial Records.
Seely's journey led her to Nashville, where she gained recognition on Porter Wagoner's television show and signed with Monument Records. Her breakout hit, "Don't Touch Me," written by Hank Cochran, earned her a Grammy Award for best country & western vocal performance in the female category.
Seely's marriage to Cochran in 1969 ended in divorce a decade later. Throughout her career, she challenged the expectations placed on female country artists. Notably, she wore a miniskirt on the Grand Ole Opry stage at a time when such attire was considered controversial.
Her chart-topping success continued with hits like "I'll Love You More (Than You Need)" and "Can I Sleep In Your Arms?" which showcased her ability to blend traditional country with contemporary sounds.
Even as the years passed, Seely remained active in the industry, releasing albums and hosting shows. She was a familiar face on country music programming and her songs have been covered by numerous artists including Merle Haggard and Ray Price.
Since 2018, Seely hosted "Sunday's with Seely" on Willie Nelson's SiriusXM channel and was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame that same year. Her dedication to the Grand Ole Opry was evident as she performed nearly 5,400 times since becoming a member in 1967. Grubbs announced that Saturday's Grand Ole Opry show would honor her memory.
Her final recording, a cover of Dottie West's "Suffertime," was released in July 2024 and recorded at RCA Studio B. She had performed it at the Opry the previous year.
