With her daring miniskirts and soulful vocals, Jeannie Seely single-handedly dismantled the “gingham curtain” put in place for female performers at the Grand Ole Opry. Baring her “country soul” to the very end, the “Don’t Touch Me” singer died Aug. 1 at age 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Two days later, online tributes to Jeannie Seely are still pouring in from legendary ladies such as Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, and Tanya Tucker.
Videos by American Songwriter
Taking to her social media Saturday (Aug. 2), Tucker shared a photo of herself back-to-back with Seely, sporting nearly identical platinum bobs. The “Delta Dawn” singer, 66, penned a heartfelt message to her late friend.
“My girl Jeannie got her wings yesterday, but not before I called her,” Tucker wrote. “They put the phone up to her ear and as I talked, memories were flooding my mind with all the great times we shared.”
Tucker recalled spending time at Seely’s house, when the two were “Young invincible and nothing was gonna stop us.”
“The songs flowed freely with writers coming in and out of that house,” the two-time Grammy winner continued. “She’s a part of my DNA part of me left when she did, but I’ll see you again, my friend someday. Make sure that Guitar players in tune.”
Country legend Reba McEntire also added her own tribute into the mix, sharing a photo of herself alongside Jeannie Seely and Dolly Parton.
[RELATED: Dolly Parton Mourns One of Her “Dearest Friends,” Jeannie Seely]
“She was a little spitfire, opinionated team player!” wrote the “Fancy” singer, 70.” “Rest in peace, Jeannie.”
Trisha Yearwood Calls Jeannie Seely “A Friend to Everyone Who Stepped on the Opry Stage”
One of the most heartbreaking tributes to Jeannie Seely came from three-time CMA Award winner Trisha Yearwood.
“If you knew ‘Seely’, count yourself lucky,” began the “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl)” singer, 60. “She was a talented, smart trailblazer for all women.”
Seely “knew who she was and what she stood for.” Yearwood wrote. “She was a friend to everyone who stepped onto the Opry stage. I can’t explain how much I already miss her.
“I love you, Jeannie Seely,” Yearwood concluded. “xoxo Trisha.”
Seely’s death comes eight months after that of her husband, Gene Ward. The two had been married since 2010.
Featured image by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.