Dolly Parton Honors 'Dearest Friend' Jeannie Seely at Grand Ole Opry Tribute
Jeannie Seely: A Legendary Life Celebrated with a Star-Studded Farewell
Get ready for a country music extravaganza like no other! The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee is set to host a public memorial service for the incomparable Jeannie Seely on August 14 at 11am (EST). This emotional tribute will serve as a fitting finale to her illustrious career, marking what would have been her 5,398th appearance on the iconic stage.
For those who may not know, Jeannie held the record for the most Opry appearances in history with an astonishing 5,397 shows under her belt. Her dedication and passion for country music are simply inspiring! And now, fans will have the chance to bid a final farewell to this legendary performer in style.
But don't worry if you can't make it to Nashville – the service will be broadcast on WSM 650 AM and live-streamed via Vimeo, ensuring that everyone can pay their respects. This is going to be one for the books, folks!
Jeannie's remarkable journey began back in 1966 when she took the stage at the Opry House for her first performance. She was soon inducted as a member and went on to become one of its most active participants for nearly six decades. That's dedication! And let's not forget her impressive vocal talents – Jeannie earned the nickname 'Miss Country Soul' with her distinctive, soul-inflected delivery that left audiences swooning.
Country music royalty Dolly Parton paid tribute to her dear friend and fellow legend on Instagram: "I've known Jeannie since we were young bucks in Nashville. She was one of my dearest friends – a wonderful singer, a great sense of humor, and the most loyal companion you could ask for."
The two shared countless memories together, from laughter-filled moments to tear-jerking times. Dolly continued: "We'll miss her dearly." We couldn't agree more!
In lieu of flowers, Jeannie's family has kindly requested donations to be made to the Opry Trust Fund, which supports those in the music industry during times of need or to pet-related charitable organizations – a nod to her well-known love for animals.
Sadly, Jeannie passed away on August 1 at the age of 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Her death comes just months after losing her husband Eugene Ward to cancer in December. And if that wasn't enough, she had been battling health issues since last year, undergoing multiple surgeries on her back and two emergency abdominal procedures, as well as a stint in intensive care with pneumonia.
Jeannie's personal life was no less fascinating! She was married twice – first to the legendary songwriter Hank Cochran (who wrote some of her biggest hits), whom she wed in 1969 but eventually separated from. They divorced in 1979. After that, she tied the knot with Nashville attorney Eugene Ward in 2010, who sadly succumbed to cancer just a few years later.
The couple's love story is one for the ages – and we're still reeling from the news of their tragic losses. Hank Cochran, incidentally, died in 2010 at the age of 84 due to complications from cancer.
Jeannie's music career was marked by some unforgettable hits, including her 1966 single "Don't Touch Me," which reached number two on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, and follow-up tracks like "A Wanderin' Man" (1967) and "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" (1968). All three songs were penned by none other than Hank Cochran himself – talk about a love story!
So let the music play on! As we bid farewell to this incredible performer, let's celebrate her life, legacy, and the indelible mark she left on country music forever.