The country music community mourned the loss of Jeannie Seely, a beloved singer-songwriter and legendary member of the Grand Ole Opry. Seely died on Friday (August 1) at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, outside of downtown Nashville. She was 85.

“I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,” Dolly Parton shared in a statement on Friday evening. “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.”

Carly Pearce, who received her surprise invitation to become an Opry member from Parton, remembered Seely as one of her “biggest mentors.” Seely even brought Pearce backstage at the Opry when she knew it was the hummingbird artist’s dream to perform on the legendary stage. Pearce has since performed on the Opry stage more than 100 times. She wrote in a tribute:

“When I was in my early 20s, Jeannie and I got to know each other because she lived down the street from me. 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. 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. ♥️🪽”

The Opry remembered Seely as “a true icon,” and “the definition of a mentor and dear friend to many in the country music community. She first appeared at the Opry in 1966 and while it was her first time being shoulder to shoulder with some of her heroes, she officially joined our family the next year in 1967 and has stood on that stage ever since with a special grace, sass, style, and of course – her wit and humor to top it all off.

“Having performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than any other artist in history, 5,397 times to be exact, there’s no doubt this place was home to her,” the Opry’s tribute continued. “In her 57 years as an Opry member, she is recognized for changing the image of female country performers with her bold fashion statements, championed efforts to support and enhance women’s roles in the music industry and was quite proud to be the first female to host a segment of the Opry. …Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, Miss Country Soul. We will miss you dearly.”

Lady A’s Hillary Scott shared the Opry’s tribute on her Instagram story and wrote: “Love you forever Ms. Jeannie!” Others wrote comments expressing their heartbreak and appreciation for Seely and her career in country music. Caylee Hammack and Tenille Arts remembered Seely’s presence during their respective debut Opry performances. Tenille Townes hailed Seely “the kindest and the fiercest.” Maggie Rose remembered her as a “gift.”

Alana Springsteen wrote that she’s “heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jeannie Seely. I didn’t get as much time with her as I would have liked, but I’ll cherish the moments I did get. Jeannie was there the day of my first artist visit to the Opry and the day of my debut. she was always there. within minutes of talking to her you could feel that the Opry was her home and her heart. thank you Jeannie for your wisdom, your warmth, your witty banter and for paving the way for so many of us. the Opry and country music won’t be the same without you. heaven just gained a little more soul.”

Tigirlily Gold, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Ashley Monroe, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and many more paid tribute to the late legend. See some of the tributes in Seely’s honor below.

Tay Hamilton