Remembering Jeannie Seely: Celebrating the Legacy of a Country Music Pioneer for Women at 85

NEW YORK — Jeannie Seely, the cherished country music singer famous for her hit “Don’t Touch Me,” has passed away at 85. Her publicist shared she died due to complications from an intestinal infection.

Known lovingly as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely broke barriers for women in country music. She made waves with her bold style and unforgettable songs during the ‘60s and ‘70s. In fact, she was a pioneer at a time when female artists often faced limitations.

Born in July 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely grew up in a musical family. Her mother sang, and her father played the banjo. From a young age, she performed on local radio and television. At 20, she moved to Los Angeles, looking to launch her music career. She worked at Liberty and Imperial Records, all while writing and recording her own music.

Her big break came after moving to Nashville. Seely joined Porter Wagoner’s show and signed a deal with Monument Records. “Don’t Touch Me,” written by Hank Cochran, topped charts and won her a Grammy for best female country performance.

Seely was known for her rebellious spirit. She wore a miniskirt on the Grand Ole Opry stage during a time when it was considered daring. Her courage resonated with fans, and she achieved three Top 10 hits: “Don’t Touch Me,” “I’ll Love You More,” and “Can I Sleep In Your Arms?”

Even as styles changed, Seely continued to release albums and perform. Her songs became classics, covered by artists like Merle Haggard and Ray Price. She never stepped back from her passion for country music.

Since 2018, Seely hosted “Sundays with Seely” on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel. She was also a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, performing nearly 5,400 times since joining in 1967.

In July 2024, she released her latest song, a cover of Dottie West’s “Suffertime.” This was just one of many moments that highlighted her enduring legacy.

The impact of her career is still felt today. Expert opinions suggest that artists like Seely paved the way for current female stars in country music. Recent statistics show that women now make up nearly 40% of country music artists, a significant shift from Seely’s time.

The Grand Ole Opry will honor her memory with a tribute performance. Jeannie Seely may have left us, but her voice and spirit will forever echo in the world of country music.



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