Jeannie Seely, Grammy-Winning Country Music Star, Dies at 85

Writing Time: August 2, 2025, 14:00 EDT

Jeannie Seely, a Grammy Award-winning singer and a trailblazer in American country music, passed away on Friday at the age of 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Known for her breakout hit “Don’t Touch Me,” Seely was revered as “Miss Country Soul” for her deeply expressive vocals and her role in shaping the genre during the 1960s and ’70s.

Her passing was confirmed by longtime publicist Don Murry Grubbs. Seely’s influence in country music spanned more than six decades, during which she defied norms, pushed boundaries, and earned her place as one of the most enduring figures in Nashville’s storied history.

A Voice That Defined a Generation of Country Music

Born in July 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Jeannie Seely grew up immersed in music. Her father played the banjo and her mother sang, fostering her early passion for country sounds. By her youth, she was already performing on local radio and television, setting the stage for a career that would eventually take her to Hollywood and then to the heart of Nashville.

Seely’s musical journey took off when she moved to Los Angeles in her early 20s, landing a job at Liberty and Imperial Records. She remained focused on songwriting and eventually made her way to Nashville, where she appeared on “The Porter Wagoner Show” and signed with Monument Records.

Her major breakthrough came in 1966 with the release of “Don’t Touch Me,” written by songwriter Hank Cochran. The poignant ballad not only brought Seely her first Grammy Award — for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance, Female — but also became a genre-defining track that expanded the emotional depth of country music.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Country

In a time when female country artists were expected to conform to conservative standards, Seely stood out as a bold, independent presence. She famously wore a miniskirt onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, challenging the expectations of the genre’s traditionally reserved culture.

She married Hank Cochran in 1969, and the couple divorced a decade later, though both maintained respected careers in the industry. Seely’s own discography expanded with additional hits like “I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)” in 1967 and 1973’s “Can I Sleep in Your Arms?” — a song inspired by the American folk tune “Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight Mister?”

Her unique blend of emotional storytelling and vocal authenticity earned her a reputation as one of the genre’s most influential female voices.

Ongoing Career and Continued Impact

Seely’s influence never waned, even as decades passed. In her later years, she continued to release music, perform live, and serve as a prominent ambassador for traditional country music. She remained a familiar voice to fans through her work on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse, where she hosted the weekly program Sundays with Seely beginning in 2018.

Her contributions were widely recognized by the industry. In 2018, she was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, further solidifying her legacy alongside fellow country legends. Seely remained one of the Grand Ole Opry’s most prolific performers, with nearly 5,400 appearances since becoming a member in 1967.

She released her final single, a cover of Dottie West’s “Suffertime,” in July 2024. The track was recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B and performed at the Grand Ole Opry the previous year.

Tributes from the Country Music Community

The news of Seely’s passing drew emotional tributes from across the country music world. Dolly Parton, who came up through Nashville alongside Seely, shared heartfelt memories on social media.

“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.”

Seely’s second husband, Gene Ward, passed away in December 2024. Earlier this year, Seely had shared publicly that she was recovering from multiple back surgeries, two emergency procedures, and pneumonia. In May, she spoke with resilience and humor about her healing process, declaring, “The unsinkable Seely is working her way back.”

A Lasting Legacy in American Music

Jeannie Seely’s death marks the end of an era, but her impact will endure through the songs she recorded, the doors she opened for women in music, and the indelible spirit she brought to every performance. She left behind a catalog cherished by generations and a career that inspired countless artists across genres.

A dedicated tribute is planned during the next Grand Ole Opry show, where Seely’s voice echoed thousands of times over the years — a fitting homage to a woman who gave so much of herself to the stage and to the fans who loved her.

Source: AP News – Jeannie Seely, soulful country singer behind hits like ‘Don’t Touch Me,’ dies at 85