Tributes are pouring in for Jeannie Seely. The country music pioneer passed away on Friday, August 1, at the age of 85. Seely holds the record for performing at the Grand Ole Opry the most, with numerous artists reflecting on her loss, including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood and more.
“I’ve always loved this woman!” Reba writes. “She was a little spitfire, opinionated team player! Rest in peace, Jeannie.”
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Dolly Parton
“I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,” Dolly Parton says in a statement shared on social media. “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.”
Trisha Yearwood
“If you knew ‘Seely,’ count yourself lucky,” Yearwood says. “She was a talented, smart trailblazer for all women. She knew who she was and what she stood for. She was a friend to everyone who stepped onto the Opry stage. I can’t explain how much I already miss her. I love you, Jeannie Seely.”
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Carly Pearce
“When I was in my early 20s, Jeannie and I got to know each other because she lived down the street from me,” Carly Pearce writes. “She quickly took me under her wing, inviting me to go backstage at the Opry — knowing it was my dream to play there. Since then, she has become one of my biggest mentors and dearest friends. She celebrated my successes, let me cry on her back porch in private & helped welcome me into the Grand Ole Opry family. I can’t quite put into words what this woman means to me, the Opry & country music… but I know there will be a hole in my heart forever.
“Jeannie, thank you for your guidance, your wit, your talents & your shine,” she adds. “I whispered in her ear this week that I promised to keep the sparkles in the circle and her legacy in lights- and I promise to do that. I love you forever, Jeannie.”
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The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen
“I am praying for Jeannie Seely,” The Oak Ridge Boys‘ Duane Allen says. “I believe that she’s joined Jesus Christ, Gene Ward, Nora Lee Allen, Joe Bonsall, Rusty Golden, and all of our dear loved ones we’ve lost. She made a lasting impact on not only Nashville but the world. Her contribution to country music and the Grand Ole Opry will never be forgotten. Most don’t know, but the last date I had with my beautiful wife was a double date with Jeannie Seely and Gene Ward. My heart is breaking right now.”
Bill Anderson
“Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry,” Anderson says. “She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.”
Billy Ray Cyrus
That hug… was everything,” Cyrus posts. “Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The Opry stage and this world will never be the same.”
That hug… was everything. ? Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The @opry stage and this… pic.twitter.com/0zPC6N4Vc7
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) August 2, 2025