Country Legend Jeannie Seely Hospitalized
According to her representatives, country legend Jeannie Seely was hospitalized in Pennsylvania.
84-year-old Seely was visiting her home state of Pennsylvania for a special event that left her hospitalized due to “acute diverticulitis and dehydration,” according to multiple reports.
“It had not crossed my mind to visit a hospital on my trip home, but when it became necessary, it was yet another opportunity to experience Pennsylvania hospitality,” Seely said in a statement obtained by Country Now. “I could not have received better care or more respect than I did at St. Clare Hospital in Pittsburgh or the courtesy shown at Pittsburgh International Airport. The kindness is appreciated and I’m very proud to call the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania my birthplace.”
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, in the large intestine (colon) become inflamed or infected. It can be treated by antibiotics and fluids for several days, but if there isn’t improvement, surgery may be required.
Seely was released from the hospital on August 12, so it looks like surgery is not needed!
Jeannie Seely is a country music legend, with a career that began in the early 196os.
Seely began her career as a songwriter in 1964. Actually, she was the secretary for Imperial Records in California when she began writing music. Her first cut was when pop singer Irma Thomas recorded “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” a song she wrote with the legendary Randy Newman. She eventually wrote songs for Dottie West, Connie Smith, and Norma Jean.
After recording a couple of her own songs, her eventual husband Hank Cochran and Dottie West convinced her to move to Nashville. As she was touring around singing the few songs she had recorded, she gained quite the following. Seely ended up replacing Norma Jean on The Porter Wagoner Show.
Shortly after, she released her now-signature song “Don’t Touch Me” in 1966. Seely took home a Grammy Award for her performance in the song, and became a Grand Ole Opry member the next year!
She remains a staple at the Grand Ole Opry. In July 2023, she performed her record-breaking 5,297th show at the iconic venue.
Seely has released a total of 17 studio albums, 4 compilation albums, one live album, and 36 total singles.
We will keep Jeannie in our prayers are she continues to recover from home.