Fans and artists reflected on Jeannie Seely’s lasting influence, her record-breaking Opry appearances, and her wit, charm, and trailblazing spirit.

NASHVILLE - Country music icon Jeannie Seely, a Grammy-winning singer and longtime Grand Ole Opry member known for her soulful voice and trailblazing spirit, has died at 85. Seely died Friday in Nashville after a brief illness, according to her publicist. Her death came less than a year after the passing of her husband, Gene Ward, in December 2024.

Country music trailblazer and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely died on Friday (Aug. 1) at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tenn., due to complications from an intestinal infection. She was 85. Seely had been battling health issues since last fall and underwent multiple back surgeries this spring,