Jeannie Seely Laid to Rest in a Heartfelt Celebration of Life in Nashville

Country music legend Jeannie Seely was honored with a touching celebration of life at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Friends, fans, and fellow artists came together to give the iconic singer a memorable farewell.

How Did Jeannie Seely Die?

Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. She died from complications related to an intestinal infection.
The country star had faced serious health challenges for much of the past year. Her condition worsened after the loss of her husband, Gene Ward, in December 2024.

When Was Jeannie Seely’s Funeral?

The public memorial took place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Seely had performed on the Opry stage 5,397 times, more than any other artist in history. Fittingly, the Opry billed her memorial as “Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show.”

Country Stars Pay Tribute to Jeannie Seely

Many country music stars attended the service to pay their respects. Among them were:

• Dolly Parton (via video)

• Larry Gatlin

• Jimmy Fortune

• Louise Mandrell

• Jamie Dailey

• Ricky Skaggs and The Whites

• Steve Wariner

• The War and Treaty

• T. Graham Brown

• Darryl Worley

The memorial featured heartfelt speeches and live performances celebrating her life and career.

Watch Jeannie Seely’s Memorial Online

Fans can watch highlights from the touching celebration of life in the video below.

Who Was Jeannie Seely?

Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Jeannie Seely was a trailblazer for women in country music. She never hesitated to speak out against discrimination, especially at the Opry.
Her debut hit, “Don’t Touch Me,” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 1966 and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.
Other hits included:

• It’s Only Love

• A Wanderin’ Man

• I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)

• Can I Sleep in Your Arms

Beyond music, Seely also had a successful acting career. She appeared in Willie Nelson’s Honeysuckle Rose (1980) and later starred in the film Changing Hearts (2022). She also performed in several Nashville stage productions.

Her influence on country music is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.