Country Legend Jeannie Seely Dies at 85 from Infection

Jeannie Seely, the Grammy-winning country singer known as “Miss Country Soul,” died at age 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. A Grand Ole Opry mainstay for over five decades, Seely was celebrated for transforming the image of women in country music and for her hit song “Don’t Touch Me,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard country chart in 1966. In 2025, she endured multiple health challenges, including back surgeries, emergency abdominal operations, an extended ICU stay, and pneumonia, which contributed to her declining health. Seely was married twice, most recently to Eugene Ward, who passed away from cancer earlier in 2024. Her longtime friend Dolly Parton paid tribute to her legacy and friendship, highlighting Seely’s talent and humor. Fellow musicians also mourned her passing, recognizing her lasting impact on Nashville and country music worldwide.