Jeannie Seely, Grammy-winning country music legend, dies at 85
The Grammy-winning singer passed away at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, from complications of an intestinal infection.
Seely had faced significant health challenges in 2025, including multiple back surgeries, emergency abdominal operations, pneumonia, and an extended ICU stay. Her death follows the loss of her husband, Gene Ward, who died of cancer in December 2024.
Best known for her 1966 hit 'Don't Touch Me,' Seely enjoyed a decades-long career in country music. Her soulful voice earned her the nickname 'Miss Country Soul', and she became a Grammy Award winner and a key figure in Grand Ole Opry history, with a record 5,397 performances.
Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1940, Seely moved to Nashville in 1965 and signed with Monument Records. She became an Opry member in 1967, later breaking barriers as the first woman to host an Opry segment in 1985.
Seely also co-wrote songs like 'Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)' and recorded duets with Jack Greene. Despite a serious car accident in 1977 and a career lull in the '80s, she continued recording and performing well into her 80s.
Seely is survived by extended family, friends, and her beloved cat, Corrie. The August 2 Grand Ole Opry show will be dedicated in her memory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Brad Pitt's mother, Jane Pitt, Dies at 84
Brad Pitt is mourning the loss of his mother, Jane Pitt, who died at the age of 84. The news was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by PEOPLE. A representative for the actor declined to comment publicly on the family's loss. Jane Pitt, a retired school counselor, raised Brad and his siblings — Doug and Julie — in Springfield, Missouri, alongside her husband William Pitt, who owned a trucking company. Throughout her life, Jane was known for her warmth and unwavering support for her family. Brad's niece, Sydney Pitt, shared a touching tribute on Instagram, calling her grandmother 'my sweet Grammy' and remembering her as someone who 'cared deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked.' She added, 'We were not ready for you to go yet, but knowing you are finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier.' Sydney reflected on the love Jane had for her 14 grandchildren, saying she never missed a beat when spending time with them. 'There was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it,' she wrote. 'We were truly blessed to have her to love on growing up.' Despite largely staying out of the spotlight, Jane occasionally joined her son on red carpets, including at the 2012 Oscars and the 2014 premiere of Unbroken, directed by Pitt's then-wife Angelina Jolie. At a recent screening of his film F1 in June, Brad gave a public shout-out to his mom during an interview with Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. 'Love you, Mom,' he said, sending her a wave and kiss. In 2009, Brad and his siblings donated $1 million to a Missouri hospital, helping open the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center. Jane later expressed pride in her children's philanthropy, saying in a 2018 WorldServe International video, 'They see a need and try to step in and fill it… It's an amazing thing.'
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Aima Baig and Zain Ahmed are officially married
Congratulations are in order for Aima Baig and Zain Ahmed. Aima took to Instagram and penned, 'Married my best friend last night, Alhumdulillah.' The two have been together since 2024 and made it official in an intimate ceremony in Canada last night. 'It still feels like a dream. It actually happened.' she wrote with a string of ring emojis. 'Keep us in your Duas as we begin this new chapter together.' Aima reassured fans that more photos of her as a bride are to come. 'Will be uploading our solo pictures eventually, super overwhelmed for now but IA soon.' she said. Whispers of the pair began to circulate the internet in 2024 and speculation continued to rise after the singer shared several pictures with Zain on Instagram. On one such occasion, Aima shared an Instagram story with Zain as the two adorned their necks with chains and twin charms. The three heart emojis accompanying the story coupled with the two evidently showing off their matching accessories were, at the very least, indicative of their closeness to each other. Aima rose to fame through her contribution to the Lahore Se Aagey soundtrack and went on to perform for Coke Studio, as well as collaborating with renowned artists such as Atif Aslam. She has also worked on the music for the film Parey Hut Love. Zain co-founded Rastah, a Lahore-based streetwear brand, in 2018. The label focuses on sustainable and artisanal fashion, with its products designed, sourced, and crafted by local artisans in Pakistan in limited runs. Rastah has gained international attention, with features in Vogue and its clothing worn by notable figures such as Justin Bieber, rapper French Montana, and Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed.
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Jeremy Renner discusses near-death experience as Whoopi Goldberg recalls Ghost
Jeremy Renner appeared on the May 1, 2025, episode of The View (re-aired on August 5) to discuss his memoir My Next Breath and reflect on the snow plow accident that nearly took his life on New Year's Day in 2023. The conversation took an emotional turn when co-host Whoopi Goldberg drew a connection between Renner's experience and the 1990 film Ghost, in which she starred. Renner was critically injured while trying to prevent a 14,000-pound snow plow from hitting his nephew. The incident left him with more than 30 broken bones and led to a profound reflection on life and mortality. During the conversation, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked him about what he remembered from the moments he described as dying. 'It's always kind of tough to talk about,' Renner said. 'But I realize that, in time, there are so many shared experiences that people have when they have a near-death experience… it's quite beautiful.' Renner explained that he believes love is the only thing that carries over beyond life. 'Love is the only thing that you take with you… it's the DNA of our spirit,' he shared. 'Hate can't exist [there]—it only exists on the coattails of love.' Goldberg responded by referencing Ghost, the Oscar-winning film that earned her Best Supporting Actress at the 1991 Academy Awards. She noted the film's final message—that love continues beyond death—echoes Renner's insight. 'That's the movie Ghost… you take it with you,' she told him. Renner agreed, saying, 'It's not just a movie, no.' The episode was re-aired on August 5 during The View's summer hiatus, which runs from July 28 to September 2, 2025. The show regularly airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.
