The world of country music mourns the passing of a true icon, Jeannie Seely, who died at 85 following complications from an infection. Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely leaves behind an indelible mark on the genre, remembered not only for her chart-topping country music hits but also for her rebellious spirit that broke barriers and redefined what it meant to be a female artist in Nashville.

Seely’s rise to stardom began swiftly. At just 26, she secured a Grammy Award in 1967 for her seminal single “Don’t Touch Me,” a crossover ballad that became her biggest success. This early triumph marked her as one of the youngest Grammy recipients following the award’s inception in 1959, a distinction she held for many years, cementing her status as a formidable music legend from the outset of her prolific career.

Her unique vocal delivery, characterized by a soulful depth and emotive power, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning her the enduring moniker “Miss Country Soul.” This distinctive style not only set her apart but also forged a new path within the traditional soundscape of Nashville.

Beyond her vocal prowess, Seely was a trailblazer for female artists in country music. In an era that often demanded a demure presence from women, Seely famously challenged norms by wearing a miniskirt on stage, an act considered scandalous at the time. This bold individualism and her consistent delivery of chart-topping songs throughout the 1960s and 1970s earned her widespread recognition and paved the way for future generations of women in the industry.

Her extraordinary career spanned over six decades, during which she graced the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry nearly 5,400 times. This cherished American live country music radio program became a second home for Seely. Following her passing on Friday, due to an intestinal infection, the Grand Ole Opry honored her memory with a special performance, underscoring her profound connection to the institution.

In addition to “Don’t Touch Me,” Seely delivered numerous other country chart successes, including three Top 10 entries on what is now Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. These included “I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)” from 1967 and the 1973 hit “Can I Sleep In Your Arms?”, an adaptation of the folk song “Can I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister?”. Her songs, now considered music history classics, have been covered by a diverse range of artists, further solidifying her songwriting impact.

Born in July 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely’s passion for music was cultivated from a young age, with her mother being a singer and her father a banjo player. Her journey took her to Nashville, where she secured a contract with Monument Records and later married songwriter Hank Cochran, though their marriage concluded after a decade. Seely continued to perform, release albums, and host shows, including her weekly program “Sunday’s with Seely” on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel, and was honored with an induction into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2018, forever etching her name into the fabric of country music.