Jeannie Seely Honored During Star-Studded Opry Memorial Show

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Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry show. Photo: Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo

Longtime beloved Opry member Jeannie Seely was honored at a special public service, “Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show,” on Aug. 14 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

The service was a nod to Seely’s record-setting 5,397 Opry performances throughout her career after her passing on Aug. 1 at 85. Hosted by 650 AM WSM and Grand Ole Opry personalities Mike Terry, Bill Cody, Charlie Mattos and Kelly Sutton, the tribute show featured performances from Ricky Skaggs with Sharon and Cheryl White of The Whites, Larry Gatlin, Darryl Worley, Jamie Dailey of Dailey & Vincent, Louise Mandrell, Steve Wariner, The War and Treaty, T. Graham Brown and Seely’s favorite bluegrass act, Cutter & Cash. Seely’s band accompanied several of the performances.

Victoria Shaw, Charles Esten, Bobby Tomberlin, Buddy Cannon and Erin Enderlin paid tribute to Seely in a writers’ round during the special farewell show, while Seely’s friends Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Wendy Moten and Linda Davis sang “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye” as well as her hit, “Don’t Touch Me,” which began with Seely’s very own pre-recorded vocals. It earned a standing ovation from attendees.

Seely was also honored in video tributes from Dolly Parton, Jimmy Fortune and Keith Bilbrey. Speakers included Opry’s Senior VP and Executive Producer Dan Rogers; Opry Associate Producer Talent Gina Keltner; Robert Bailey, who served with Seely on the local SAG-AFTRA board; Springer Mountain Farms President Gus Arrendale; and Seely’s pastor Hubert Cunningham. 

The service concluded with all of the artists and Opry members in attendance gathering on stage to perform “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” The finale also included Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, John Conlee, Rudy Gatlin, Riders in the Sky, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs, Billy Dean, Deborah Allen and Tim Atwood.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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