Jeannie Seely Death Shakes Music World, dies at Age 85

Jeannie Seely, the Grammy-winning country star known for hits like "Don't Touch Me" and her decades-long presence at the Grand Ole Opry, has died at 85. The news of Jeannie Seely death has left the music world in deep sorrow, marking the end of an era in country music.

 

Jeannie Seely, an American singer, songwriter, record producer and author; died on Friday, 1st August 2025 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. She has died at the age of 85. She has been suffering from intestinal infection from much of 2025.

 

 

Need to know 

1. The famous American musician Jeannie Seely passed away at her 85th age.

2. She had been suffering with intestinal infection.

3. Know her Carrer, life journey and events.

Cause of death

Seely suffered "acute diverticulitis" and "dehydration" when visiting her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2024, which led to her hospitalization.  She was supposedly "doing well" after being discharged.

 

According to Seely, she had undergone several surgeries since March 2025, had subsequently developed pneumonia, and was undergoing rehabilitation.

 

At the age of 85, Seely passed away on August 1, 2025, from an intestinal infection.  She was admitted to TriStar Summit Medical Centre in Hermitage, Tennessee, at the time of her passing.

 

Who is Jeannie Seely

Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 1940, Jeanne Seely grew up on a farm close to Townville, Pennsylvania. Irene and Leo Seely had four children, with Seely being the youngest.

 

Mostly associated with country music, she was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and author. She had tasted fruit of her first success in her 1966 song "Don't Touch Me,” while others like "A Wanderin' Man,” "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" and a contributing factor to her success was her 1969 duet with Jack Greene, "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You." The title of "Miss Country Soul" was given to her due to her soul-influenced vocals.

 

 

Carrer

1964–1965: Early Career

• Started writing songs while working as a secretary at Imperial Records.
• "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)" was co-written and charted in 1964 by Irma Thomas.
• Signed with Challenge Records; released early singles like “If I Can’t Have You.”
• Encouraged by Dottie West and Hank Cochran to relocate to Nashville.
• Replaced Norma Jean on Porter Wagoner's television program.

 

1966–1968: Breakthrough Years

• Signed with Monument Records.
• Released the Grammy Award-winning smash song "Don't Touch Me" (1966).
• Debut album The Seely Style hit Top 10 on country album charts.
• 1967 saw the addition of Grand Ole Opry.
• Released more hits: “It’s Only Love,” “A Wanderin’ Man.”
• Married songwriter Hank Cochran.

 

1969–1977: Duets & Continued Success

• Signed to Decca Records; toured Asia and hosted radio for Armed Forces Network.
• Established a fruitful duet collaboration with Jack Greene.
• Hit duet: "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" (1970); many nominations for Grammys and CMAs.
• Solo hits include “Can I Sleep in Your Arms” (1973) and “Lucky Ladies” (1974).
• Released multiple solo and duet albums; recorded with Owen Bradley & Chuck Glaser.
• 1977 vehicle accident; professional progress has slowed.

 

1978–2009: Setbacks, Acting & Return to Music

• Divorced with Hank Cochran; partnership with Greene ended.
• Toured with Willie Nelson and had an appearance on the Honeysuckle Rose soundtrack.
• Opened and closed her own Nashville club (1985).
• Produced Little Jimmy Dickens’ album; acted in local theater & musicals.
• Returned to recording with independent albums like 'Been There...Sung That!' (1999) and Life’s Highway (2003).
• Participated in various stage plays, including The Vagina Monologues.

 

2010–2025: Final Years & Legacy

• Home destroyed in 2010 flood; resumed performing immediately.
• Released Vintage Country: Old But Treasured (2011), Written in Song (2017), and An American Classic (2020).
• Hosted "Sunday’s with Seely" on the SiriusXM channel of Willie Nelson.
• Recorded a tribute to Dottie West’s “Suffertime” in 2024.
• Continued performing into 2024 despite health issues.

 

Marriages and Life Events

First Marriage

Jeannie Seely’s first marriage was to renowned songwriter Hank Cochran. In a church ceremony in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, the pair exchanged vows on June 15, 1969. In 1975, they built a beautiful farmhouse on a 77-acre property in Hendersonville, Tennessee, which became their shared home. However, their marriage eventually faced challenges, and the couple separated in the late 1970s. They officially divorced in 1979. Despite the split, Seely later credited Cochran in a documentary for helping to lay the foundation of country music. Hank Cochran passed away in 2010.

 

Second Marriage

In 2010, Seely found love again and married Gene Ward, a well-known attorney in Nashville. They had a solid relationship and helped one another through the highs and lows of life. Gene was taken to the hospital just before Seely's Grand Ole Opry performance in 2011, forcing her to postpone a number of professional engagements. Thankfully, he recovered, and Seely kept her fans updated on his progress via social media.

 

Loss of Spouse and Her Death

Seely faced a heartbreaking loss when her husband, Gene Ward, passed away on December 13, 2024, following a recent cancer diagnosis. She stayed strong through the grief, but sadly, Jeannie Seely passed away eight months later in 2025, closing a chapter on a life filled with love, resilience, and musical legacy.