"She was one of my dearest friends”: Dolly Parton pays tribute to Jeannie Seely following country singer’s death

Jeannie Seely, known as “Miss Country Soul,” passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, leaving the music industry in mourning. According to People, she passed away due to complications from an intestinal infection at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Among the many fans and colleagues sharing heartfelt tributes was Dolly Parton, the “Coat of Many Colors” singer, whose album Those Were The Days featured a contribution from Jeannie. In her post on Instagram, she wrote:

''I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville. She was one of my dearest friends. I think she was one of the greater singers in Nashville and she had a wonderful sense of humor. We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together and she will be missed.''

Jeannie had gone through many health struggles this year, and she was 85 years old.

More about Jeannie Seely's death

Jeannie Seely was an active figure in the country music space for over six decades. Earlier in February this year, she performed at the Grand Ole Opry. That performance was her 5,397th appearance at the Opry, the highest number of performances by any artist in the Opry's 100-year history.

Grand Ole Opry took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay their tribute. In the statement, they wrote:

''It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to a true icon to us here the Opry, Mrs. Jeannie Seely. 🤍Jeannie is the definition of a mentor and dear friend to many in the country music community. She first appeared at the Opry in 1966 and while it was her first time being shoulder to shoulder with some of her heroes, she officially joined our family the next year in 1967 and has stood on that stage ever since with a special grace, sass, style, and of course – her wit and humor to top it all off.

The statement continued:

In her 57 years as an Opry member, she is recognized for changing the image of female country performers with her bold fashion statements, championed efforts to support and enhance women’s roles in the music industry and was quite proud to be the first female to host a segment of the Opry. She also regularly hosted “Sundays with Seely” on Willie’s Roadhouse on Sirius XM. Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, "Miss Country Soul". We will miss you dearly.

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Jeannie was celebrated for her award-winning voice, record-breaking Opry appearances, and for being the first woman to host a segment of the Grand Ole Opry. Her 1966 emotional ballad Don’t Touch Me, went on to become her biggest hit and won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Earlier this year, Jeannie had gone through several back surgeries for vertebrae repairs, emergency abdominal surgeries, and had also contracted pneumonia. She is survived by her extended family members and her cat Corrie.

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