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Carly Pearce<\/a> is remembering a country legend, a mentor \u2014 and a personal friend \u2014 following the death of Grand Ole Opry icon Jeannie Seely<\/a>.<\/p>\n Seely passed away on Friday (Aug. 1) at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tenn., due to complications from an intestinal infection. She was 85.<\/p>\n Pearce honored her friend with a deeply emotional post on Instagram<\/a>, reflecting on the woman who helped shape her on and off the stage.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was in my early 20s, Jeannie and I got to know each other because she lived down the street from me,\u201d Pearce begins.<\/p>\n The “Every Little Thing” singer continues, \u201cShe quickly took me under her wing\u2026 Since then, she has become one of my biggest mentors and dearest friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe celebrated my successes, let me cry on her back porch in private, and helped welcome me into the Grand Ole Opry<\/a> family,” Pearce says.<\/p>\n “I whispered in her ear this week that I promised to keep the sparkles in the circle and her legacy in lights \u2014 and I promise to do that,\u201d she writes.<\/p>\n Pearce and Seely\u2019s friendship began years ago, well before Pearce was a household name.<\/p>\n Seely first met Pearce when the younger singer was performing at Dollywood.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong><\/em> 13 Intoxicating Country Songs About Wine<\/a><\/p>\n Later, by a twist of fate, they became neighbors in Nashville, and a real friendship blossomed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe ride three-wheel bicycles through the neighborhood,\u201d Seely told Taste of Country in 2019<\/a>. \u201cShe and Michael Ray<\/a> [Pearce’s ex-husband] and I have had a tendency to have a sip of wine \u2014 only to promote her record, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>10 Country Songs About Being a Kickass Woman<\/a><\/p>\n Pearce\u2019s love and gratitude shone through her tribute: \u201cI can\u2019t quite put into words what this woman means to me, the Opry & country music\u2026 but I know there will be a hole in my heart forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Known for her sharp wit, dazzling style and trailblazing presence, Seely was a beloved fixture at the Grand Ole Opry for more than five decades.<\/p>\n She goes down in history<\/a> as the artist who performed on the hallowed Opry stage more than anyone else \u2014 over 5,300 times.<\/p>\n Her hits included \u201cDon\u2019t Touch Me,\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll Love You More (Than You\u2019ll Need),\u201d and the 1969 duet \u201cWish I Didn\u2019t Have to Miss You\u201d with Jack Greene.<\/p>\n She was also a respected songwriter<\/a>, penning tracks for Irma Thomas, Connie Smith, and Dottie West.<\/p>\n Seely joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and became a four-time CMA Award nominee.<\/p>\n In 2023, she received the Joe Talbot Award, which honors outstanding contributions to the preservation of country music\u2019s values and traditions.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>31 Country Stars You Won\u2019t Believe Aren\u2019t Grand Ole Opry Members<\/a><\/p>\n A proud Pennsylvania native, Seely moved to Nashville in the \u201960s and never looked back \u2014 helping redefine what it meant to be a woman in country music and inspiring generations of young girls who dreamed of taking the stage.<\/p>\n Seely\u2019s final Opry appearance came on Feb. 22, 2025, marking her 5,397th performance on the legendary stage.<\/p>\n She had quietly battled ongoing health issues throughout the year and was also mourning the loss of her husband, Gene Ward, who died in December 2024.<\/p>\n Seely passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. She is survived by loved ones \u2014 including her beloved cat, Corrie \u2014 and a legion of fans who cherished her humor, talent, and fierce spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n Saturday night\u2019s (Aug. 2) Grand Ole Opry show<\/a> will be dedicated to her memory.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Bill Anderson as Their Longest-Serving Member [Picture]<\/a><\/p>\n As for Pearce, she\u2019s already making good on her promise to carry Seely\u2019s light forward.<\/p>\n Carly Pearce Instagram<\/span><\/p> \u201cThank you for your guidance, your wit, your talents & your shine,\u201d Pearce adds. \u201cI love you forever, Jeannie.\u201d<\/p>\n We’re not even six months into 2025, and already country music has suffered some devastating losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Friendship Built on Respect \u2014 and a Little Wine<\/h3>\n
Remembering Jeannie Seely<\/h3>\n
Her Final Curtain Call<\/h3>\n
\n\nCountry Stars Who Have Died in 2025<\/h2>\n
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