The country music world lost one of its shining stars this past Friday when Jeannie Seely, best known for her soulful hit Don’t Touch Me, passed away at the age of 85.
She died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, after complications from an intestinal infection.
A Tough Year Marked by Health Struggles
Jeannie’s final months were marked by significant health battles.
Since last year, she’d been dealing with serious issues including multiple back surgeries to repair her vertebrae.
In May, she revealed that she’d undergone two emergency abdominal surgeries and had even battled pneumonia during an 11-day stay in the ICU.
Despite the challenges, Jeannie stayed optimistic, once saying, “Rehab is pretty tough, but each day is looking brighter.
Last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel—and it was neon, so I knew it was mine! The unsinkable Seely is working her way back.”
A Legendary Voice Known as Miss Country Soul
Jeannie wasn’t just any country singer—she was affectionately known as “Miss Country Soul” because of her distinctive, soulful vocal style that touched the hearts of many.
Her breakthrough came in 1966 with the song Don’t Touch Me, which climbed all the way to number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
She followed up with hits like A Wanderin’ Man (1967) and I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need) (1968).
A Personal and Professional Love Story
Behind the music, Jeannie’s life intertwined deeply with the legendary songwriter Hank Cochran, who penned all three of those early hits.
The two married in 1969, though their relationship eventually ended with a divorce in 1979 after several years apart.
Farewell From Friends and Fans
Jeannie’s passing also stirred heartfelt tributes from the music community, including longtime friend and country icon Dolly Parton.
Dolly took to Instagram to remember Jeannie as “one of my dearest friends” and praised her as “one of the greater singers in Nashville” with a wonderful sense of humor.
“We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together and she will be missed,” Dolly wrote.
Life After Loss
Jeannie’s death also follows a difficult year in her personal life, as she lost her husband Eugene Ward to cancer last December.
This recent loss added to the weight she carried during her final chapter.
Jeannie Seely’s soulful voice and indomitable spirit left a lasting impression on country music fans and fellow artists alike.
Her legacy will continue to resonate through her timeless songs and the warmth she brought to the Nashville music scene.