Reba, Dolly, & More Country Stars Pay Tribute To Jeannie Seely
Grand Ole Opry Legend Jeannie Seely Dies at 85
Beloved country music star Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1st, less than one month after her 85th birthday. Her publicist, Don Murray Grubbs, confirmed she had died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, as a result of complications from an intestinal infection.
According to the statement, the Pennsylvania native underwent multiple back surgeries this spring to repair vertebrae. Additionally, she required two emergency abdominal surgeries around the same time. Prior to her death, Jeannie spent “11 days in the intensive care unit and [suffered] a bout with pneumonia.”
Affectionately known as “Miss Country Soul,” Jeannie holds the record for the most Grand Ole Opry performances at an astounding 5,397.
During her more than five decades working with the Opry, the beloved singer touched the lives of many artists as they pursued their country music dreams. As news of her passing spread, many of them shared heartfelt words and personal memories online.
Read on to see the touching tributes that fellow artists have shared for Jeannie Seely.
Reba McEntire
“I’ve always loved this woman! She was a little spitfire, opinionated team player! Rest in peace, Jeannie.”
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Carly Pearce
“When I was in my early 20s, Jeannie and I got to know each other because she lived down the street from me. She quickly took me under her wing, inviting me to go backstage at the Opry— knowing it was my dream to play there. Since then, she has become one of my biggest mentors and dearest friends. She celebrated my successes, let me cry on her back porch in private & helped welcome me into the Grand Ole Opry family.
I can’t quite put into words what this woman means to me, the opry & country music… but I know there will be a hole in my heart forever. Jeannie, thank you for your guidance, your wit, your talents & your shine. I whispered in her ear this week that I promised to keep the sparkles in the circle and her legacy in lights- and I promise to do that. I love you forever, Jeannie.”
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Dolly Parton
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Tanya Tucker
“My girl Jeannie got her wings yesterday, but not before I called her. They put the phone up to her ear and as I talked, memories were flooding my mind with all the great times we shared. I’m sure at one point she thought I was the guest that never left, I spent a lot of time over at her house.
It was a time of great hope and we were Young invincible and nothing was gonna stop us and the songs flowed freely with writers coming in and out of that house. She’s a part of my DNA part of me left when she did, but I’ll see you again, my friend someday. Make sure that Guitar players in tune. I love you…”
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Bill Anderson
“For over sixty-plus years we toured together, laughed together, cried together, shared meals together, wrote songs together, went to church together, sought advice from one another, took comfort from one another, and I always knew I could trust her with the deepest secrets of my heart.”
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Travis Tritt
“My family and I are extremely saddened to hear that legendary Opry star Jeannie Seely has passed away. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and fans.”
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