Jeannie Seely, Country’s Fearless Voice and Opry Icon, Passes Away at 85

Jeannie Seely, the Grammy-winning singer of “Don’t Touch Me”, has passed away at 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. But Seely was never one to go quietly. From singing as a child in rural Pennsylvania to breaking boundaries on the Grand Ole Opry stage, she lived life on her terms—miniskirt and all. This is more than just the story of a country icon—it’s the journey of a woman who refused to conform, lighting the way for generations of women in Nashville and beyond. With nearly 5,400 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, Seely was one of the most enduring voices in country music history. Her final message? After back surgeries, pneumonia, and ICU stays, she told us, “Rehab is tough… but the light at the end of the tunnel was neon—so I knew it was mine.” Watch.