Celebrated Country Music Icon Jeannie Seely Passes Away at 85
Country music aficionados are mourning the loss of Jeannie Seely, affectionately known as “Miss Country Soul” for her distinctive vocal style. The renowned singer, celebrated for her hit “Don’t Touch Me,” passed away at the age of 85. Her passing on Friday was attributed to complications from an intestinal infection, as confirmed by her publicist, Don Murry Grubbs.
Seely was a celebrated figure who broke new ground for women in country music during the 60s and 70s, renowned for her spirited disregard for convention and a series of unforgettable hits. Tragically, she had recently been in recovery after a sequence of challenging back surgeries, multiple emergency procedures, and a battle with pneumonia, not long after losing her second husband, Gene Ward, in December. Reflecting on her recovery, Jane stated, “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!”
Born in July 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania and raised in Townville, Seely’s affinity for country music was deeply rooted in her family, with a mother who sang and a father who played the banjo. Young Seely often sang on local radio and TV shows, nurturing her craft from an early age. When she was just over twenty, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams, taking a position at Liberty and Imperial Records while continuing to write and record. Her journey led her to Nashville, appearing on Porter Wagoner’s show and signing with Monument Records, where she released the timeless ballad “Don’t Touch Me,” penned by Hank Cochran.
Though her marriage to Cochran lasted a decade from 1969 to 1979, her career continued to soar as she defied industry norms. Seely was known for edgy choices like donning a miniskirt on the Grand Ole Opry stage when such styles were not yet accepted. Her music reached the charts repeatedly, with hits like 1967’s “I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)” and 1973’s “Can I Sleep In Your Arms?” based on the folk classic “Can I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister?”
Seely’s influence extended far beyond her own recordings. Many of her songs became classics, covered by legends like Merle Haggard and Ray Price. She remained active within the country scene, regularly releasing new music and hosting programs, including the much-loved “Sundays with Seely” on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse. Her contributions earned her a spot on the Music City Walk of Fame, and she maintained a strong presence at the Grand Ole Opry, with nearly 5,400 performances since her debut.
Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry performance was dedicated to Seely, symbolizing her lasting impact on the country music world. Her most recent release, a cover of Dottie West’s “Suffertime,” was recorded at the famous RCA Studio B in July 2024 and performed on the Opry stage last year, cementing her artistic legacy and enduring presence in the hearts of fans.