In the ’60s, a pair of country music trailblazers descended upon Nashville and altered the course of the genre forever. Neither Dolly Parton nor Jeannie Seely were particularly interested in upholding the stuffy feminine norms of country music, preferring instead to perform as their authentic selves. By doing just that, the two icons laid out the path for so many women after them to do the same. After news broke Aug. 1 of Seely’s death at age 85, the “Jolene” singer memorialized her old friend on social media.
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Dolly Parton Looks Back on Tears, Laughter With Jeannie Seely
“I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,” Dolly Parton wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
Known for the Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me,” Seely had battled health issues since last fall. Those issues escalated in December with the death of her husband, Gene Ward. The pair tied the knot in 2010 more than 30 years after the CMA Award-winning singer’s split from her first husband, songwriter Hank Cochran.
Seely underwent multiple back surgeries this spring for vertebrae repairs, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries. Her publicist reported that she died peacefully Aug. 1 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, due to complications from an intestinal infection.
Dolly’s tribute comes in the midst of mourning Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years. Dean died in March 2025 at age 82.
“Rough year, Dolly,” one Instagram user commented. “We all love you.”
[RELATED: Carly Pearce Shares Devastating Final Promise to Jeannie Seely]
Grand Ole Opry Dedicates Saturday Show to Jeannie Seely
In 1969, Dolly Parton joined Jeannie Seely among the ranks of the Grand Ole Opry. Following her own induction two years earlier, Seely would go on to take the hallowed stage 5,397 times — more than any other performer in the institution’s 100-year history.
“There’s no doubt this place was home to her,” wrote the Opry in a statement after Seely’s passing.
The singer’s publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, told CBS News that the Opry would dedicate its Saturday (Aug. 2) show to Seely.
“Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, Miss Country Soul,” the Opry’s post read. “We will miss you dearly.”
Featured image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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