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Country music icon Jeannie Seely, known as “Miss Country Soul,” passed away on Friday, August 1st at the age of 85. She died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, due to complications from an intestinal infection, following a period of declining health.
Seely’s health challenges began last fall during a celebratory trip to her Pennsylvania hometown. The visit, intended to honor her career achievements, took a turn when she was hospitalized for acute diverticulitis and dehydration. Her condition worsened over the following months, requiring multiple back surgeries, two emergency abdominal surgeries, an 11-day stay in intensive care, and treatment for pneumonia.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1940, Seely developed a passion for country music at a young age, inspired by listening to Grand Ole Opry broadcasts. Her childhood dream was to join the Opry family, a dream she realized after signing with Monument Records in Nashville.
Seely’s 1966 hit “Don’t Touch Me” propelled her to national prominence, reaching No. 2 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and earning her Grammy nominations. The song’s success led to her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, a moment she cherished.
In 1967, Seely was inducted as an official Opry member, a role she held dear, performing there over 5,300 times. While “Don’t Touch Me” remained her signature hit, Seely’s career spanned decades and produced numerous country classics, including “A Wanderin’ Man,” “I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need),” and the duet “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” with Jack Greene.