Jeannie Seely on her last performance on the Opry stage Feb. 22, 2025. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
On Friday (Aug. 1), Jeannie Seely—a trailblazing artist who helped shape the Grand Ole Opry and country music at large—died at age 85 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee.
Since the news of her passing, artists, industry members and fans alike have taken to social media to share memories and pay tribute to the late country music icon. Below are some of those messages. Click here to read Seely’s full obituary.
“Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry. She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.” – Bill Anderson
“Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The Opry stage and this world will never be the same.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
“I am praying for Jeannie Seely. I believe that she’s joined Jesus Christ, Gene Ward, Nora Lee Allen, Joe Bonsall, Rusty Golden, and all of our dear loved ones we’ve lost. She made a lasting impact on not only Nashville but the world. Her contribution to country music and the Grand Ole Opry will never be forgotten. Most don’t know, but the last date I had with my beautiful wife was a double date with Jeannie Seely and Gene Ward. My heart is breaking right now.” – Duane Allen/The Oak Ridge Boys
“So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Jeannie Seely. Jeannie was one of the greatest women of country music in an era when people began to discover that country was America’s music. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.” – Lee Greenwood
“No one had a voice like Jeannie Seely and no one ever will. This is a sad time for country music. Prayers for her family.” – Ian Flanigan
“Jeannie Seely was one-of-a-kind across the board: as an entertainer, friend, and human being. It was an absolute honor for all of us at the Grand Ole Opry that she called this show home and that she thought of us as family. She gave it her all with every single Opry performance. All 5,397 of them. She is loved so much and will never be forgotten.” —Dan Rogers, Sr. Vice President, Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry and longtime friend of Jeannie Seely
“While I’ve had the privilege of working with Jeannie Seely over the past 25 years, my immediate grief is deeply personal. Early in my tenure at CMA, I shared unforgettable lunches with Jeannie and Jo Walker Meador, full of stories that were occasionally irreverent but always fascinating. Jeannie was at the very first Fan Fair with Jack Greene and remained a beloved fixture for decades. She once told me a hilarious story about switching credentials with Dottie West just to keep people on their toes. When the CMA Board honored her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023, it was for more than her music and fan relationships—it was for her spark. She mentored countless artists, especially women, and while they learned from her confidence and wit, she reminded us she was learning from them too. That humility was part of her magic.” — Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO
“We just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriter/entertainers of her generation. My beloved big sister, Jeannie Seely, has crossed over the river Jordan to be with Jesus. She will be in pain no longer. She was one of Sheila and my best friends and you could never hope to meet a better human being. She held the record for the all-time number of Grand Ole Opry appearances. She was a friend to everyone and had a razor sharp wit. The Opry won’t be the same without her. I’ll miss her terribly. No one will ever fill her shoes. Heaven is a better place with her there. Rest in peace sweet angel.” – T. Graham Brown
“My heart is broken. Broken! My friendship with Jeannie Seely started 49 years ago at the Opry, but more than a friend, Jeannie was my champion. When I left the Opry several years ago, we toured the country, where she made me her equal–trading stories and songs and entertaining the crowds together. She was the best entertainer I’ve ever had the honor to know. It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it…and as good as the Opry show is, the Opry spotlight will never shine as brightly, without Jeannie in the center circle. Jeannie Seely was an old friend, and like the song says, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”…you earn them. I love you, Jeannie. I always will. Thank you for believing in me…and teaching me how to believe in myself.” – Tim Atwood (‘Atwood’ as Jeannie would call him)
“Jeannie Seely was a Superstar. One of the great female voices in country music. She held the record for Grand Ole Opry performances, one that may never ever be broken. We’re all saddened by her passing and we will certainly miss her. She was a friend to so many and if you ever met her once she never forgot you. That’s rare these days in the fast-paced world we live in. But she wasn’t from this time, she was from the ‘Good Ole School’ days when people had to remember your name, before we could write it down on our iPhones. She was a great encourager. She always welcomed new visiting artists who were so nervous getting to play the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. She could make those butterflies in your stomach stop flapping their wings and bring some peace instead of fear. Not many like her anymore. I don’t know if she will ever be replaced, but we as members of the Opry can take Jeannie’s lead and be an encouragement to these younger ones when we see an opportunity. They need it and we can do it! Thank you Jeannie for a lifetime of good works and great music. Love you.” – Ricky Skaggs
“Jeannie, her friends called her ‘Stick’,’ was Janis’ and my oldest friend still alive in Nashville. We met her our first night in Nashville in June of 71 when another late great singer-songwriter, Dottie West, took us to Jeannie and Hank Cochran’s boat. From that night ‘Stick’ was my friend, my champion and an inspiration to me. I miss her already, but I believe that she’s in heaven having a good old time with Dottie, Roger, Micky, Kris, Jack, Hank, Waylon and, as the saying goes, many others. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Bible says, ‘To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. ‘Stick,’ I’ll see you when I do. Rest in Peace old friend. P.S. Janis and Steve and Rudy all say ditto and HALLELUJAH!” -Larry Gatlin / The Gatlin Brothers
“Jeannie was a very dear friend and a very special lady. She was the first one to ever introduce me on the Grand Ole Opry. She and I shared a lot of laughs and guitar town will never be the same without her. My heart hit the floor when I heard the news, and she will be missed. But, I don’t think she left anything on the table. I know where she is and we will laugh some more when I get there with her.” -Darryl Worley
Bailey Zimmerman Kicks Off SiriusXM’s New Artist Residency Initiative
/by Madison HahnenSiriusXM has revealed its new Artist Residency initiative, which will highlight top artists with exclusive content and programming across multiple channels, including performances, interviews, Guest DJs, takeovers and more. The new series begins today (Aug. 5) with Bailey Zimmerman.
“With our new Artist Residency initiative, artists can participate in special programming across multiple SiriusXM channels and Pandora to help promote a new album, tour, or other key projects.” says Steve Blatter, SiriusXM Senior Vice President & GM, Music Programming. “Bailey Zimmerman and Maroon 5, with their genre-bending sounds and wide variety of influences, are the perfect artists to help us launch this new program, and we’re thrilled to deliver their fans a truly unique dive into their next major album releases.”
Zimmerman’s programming includes the channels Hip Hop Nation, Octane, SiriusXM Hits 1, MLB Network Radio and NASCAR Radio. He will also provide an exclusive subscriber performance event and interview on The Highway, along with a Pandora takeover on The 615 station for his upcoming Different Night Same Rodeo album release this Friday (Aug. 8).
The next residency installment will feature Maroon 5 on August 15. The band will give a live performance event and interview for a super-fan subscriber audience airing on SiriusXM Hits 1. Additionally, they will take over The Pulse and Pandora’s Afterglow station for their new album release, providing exclusive new music commentary, followed by guest DJ appearances on the 10s Spot and Pop2K.
CMA Awards Nominees To Be Announced Sept. 8
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Association will announce the nominees for the upcoming 59th Annual CMA Awards as well as the CMA Broadcast Awards finalists during a livestream on CMA’s official Facebook and YouTube channel on Sept. 8.
Coinciding with the announcement, the Second Ballot for The 59th Annual CMA Awards opens today. The round enables members to help shape the final nominee slate across all 12 categories. Eligible CMA Professional voting members are encouraged to cast their votes before the ballot closes Monday (Aug. 18) at 6 p.m. CT.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards airs live Nov. 19 on ABC and streams the following day on Hulu.
Alexandra Kay To Catch ‘Second Wind’ This October
/by Madison HahnenAlexandra Kay will release her sophomore album, Second Wind, on Oct. 24 via BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records.
The 14 track project features previously released tracks “Feminine Energy,” “The Last” and “Cupid’s A Cowgirl.” These tracks set the tone for the album’s story, with themes of heartbreak, hope and healing all in one. The Andrew DeRoberts produced record sees Kay teaming up with top songwriters Pete Good, Jon Nite, Allison Veltz-Cruz and more, as well as credits from fellow artists Karley Scott Collins and Sasha Alex Sloan. A new track, “Straight For The Heart,” will be available this Friday (Aug. 8).
“I’m so ready to share these songs with the people who have been with me every step of the way,” shares Kay. “Over the past two years, I’ve done a lot of growing — and over the last year, I’ve had the chance to write about the version of myself that’s emerged from that growth. This album reflects a new side of me, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience it live — especially the happier songs that I’m hoping they’ll be screaming right back at me from the crowd.”
The new project follows Kay’s independent debut album All I’ve Ever Known, which hit No. 1 on iTunes (All Genre & Country) and Top 10 on multiple Billboard charts (Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker).
“One of my favorite things about my fans is that somehow, even before the music is officially released, they already know every word,” Kay continues. “That kind of connection is rare, and this tour is going to be such a special way to close out what’s already been an unforgettable year.”
Kay is currently out on the road with Brad Paisley, which followed her spring headline tour. On September 13, Kay will hit the CCMA stage with Dallas Smith for a performance of “How Do You Miss Me,” their top 10 Canadian country radio hit. She’ll then embark on her “Second Wind: The Tour,” a 30 city trek that kicks off Sept. 26 in Atlanta and will make stops in Nashville, New Orleans, Anaheim and Las Vegas, among others. Tickets for Kay’s “Second Wind: The Tour” will go on sale this Friday (Aug. 8) at 10 a.m. local time.
Second Wind Track List:
1. “Better Off” (Alexandra Kay, Dan Pellarin, Jet Harvey)
2. “Nobody” (Alexandra Kay, Emily Falvey, Pete Good)
3. “Straight For The Heart” (Jimmy Robbins, Karley Scott Collins, Sasha Sloan)
4. “Right Now” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts)
5. “Tomorrow Problems” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts)
6. “Big Boy Boots” (Alexandra Kay, Ava Suppelsa, Kevin Gruft, Maggie Champman)
7. “Hell Right” (Alexandra Kay, Andrew Capra, Ava Suppelsa, Lauren McLamb, Rocko Beall)
8. “Measure Of A Man” (Alexandra Kay, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Andrew DeRoberts)
9. “Old Me” (Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan, Henry Agincourt Allen)
10. “Cupid’s A Cowgirl” (Alexandra Kay, Kevin Gruft, Cheyenna Rose Arnspiger)
11. “The Last” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Green, Andrew DeRoberts)
12. “What He Does” (Alexandra Kay, Andrew DeRoberts, Allison Veltz-Cruz)
13. “Feminine Energy” (Alexandra Kay, Lauren McLamb, Andrew Capra, Rocko Beall, Matt Wynn)
14. “Second Wind” (Alexandra Kay, Rocko Beall, Cheyenna Rose Arnspiger, Kevin Gruft)
VMAs Unveil 2025 Nominees, Adds New Country Category
/by Lauryn SinkMTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) have unveiled this year’s awards nominees, including for the newly added Best Country category. The show is set for Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET. Fan voting is now open for 19 categories through Sept. 5, except Best New Artist which remains active into show.
The nominees for the Best Country category include Chris Stapleton with “Think I’m In Love With You,” Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood with “I’m Gonna Love You,” Jelly Roll with “Liar,” Lainey Wilson with “4x4xU,” Megan Moroney with “Am I Okay?” and Morgan Wallen with “Smile.”
Additionally, Wallen is nominated for both Artist of the Year and Best Album, while Ella Langley earns a nod for Best New Artist. Shaboozey and Dasha are each up for MTV Push Performance of the Year. In the Best Collaboration category, Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton are both contenders. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll is recognized in the Video For Good category.
Lady Gaga is leading the nominations this year with 12 nods. Following behind her is Bruno Mars with 11, Kendrick Lamar with 10, and ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter with eight each.
A full list of nominees is available here.
Belmont University Slates Music Row Expansion Grand Opening For August 12
/by Lauryn SinkBelmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has completed phase one of its expansion on Music Row and is set to host a grand opening event on Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..
The event will include live music, free merchandise, giveaways and more. SMACKsongs will host a songwriter round featuring Belmont alumni, while Warner Chappell will present a session on its songwriting internship. The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) will lead a workshop and networking event. The Belmont Bluegrass Ensemble will perform during the event.
Also taking part are Gibson Guitars, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Leadership Music, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and more, each bringing unique interactive displays and activities.
Belmont University will unveil plans for phase two of the project during the event, offering a detailed preview of the next steps and future developments.
More information and the RSVP for the event can be found here.
Artist Action: Tim McGraw, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, LOCASH, Ty Myers
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw Rocks Crowd Of 91K At MLB Speedway Classic
Tim McGraw and Pitbull perform at the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2, 2025, in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo: Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images
The first-ever Speedway Classic Major League Baseball game at Bristol Motor Speedway was held over the weekend, kicking off with a high-energy pregame concert from Tim McGraw and Pitbull. The history-making night delivered a unique mix of music, baseball, and motorsports culture for the record-breaking crowd of over 91,000. During the matchup, Eli White led the Atlanta Braves to a 4–2 win over the Cincinnati Reds, hitting two home runs, including the first ever at a NASCAR track. Luke Williams sealed the game with a diving catch in shallow center, preserving the lead in the eighth inning.
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell To Be Featured in Smithsonian’s Roots To Pop Series
Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell are the latest artists to be featured in The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the Americana Music Foundation’s “Roots to Pop” series. The educational music programming is moderated by Krystal Klingenberg, Curator of Music, Division of Culture & the Arts at the Museum, and Harris and Crowell will discuss the American musical past and its impact on the present, while exploring the musicians’ work and the influences of country and Americana through conversation and song.
“Our collaboration with The Smithsonian’s Roots to Pop series has been the perfect union,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation. “Since our partnership started in December 2022, it’s been a thrill to bring beloved artists to our nation’s foremost museum. Without Emmylou and Rodney, there might not be an Americana Music Association. As artists, they have consistently pushed creative boundaries with honesty and integrity, and we are proud to call them members of our community.”
LOCASH Teams With Savannah Bananas For ‘Wrong Hearts’ Dance Contest
LOCASH. Photo: Josh Beech
LOCASH (Preston Brust and Chris Lucas) have teamed up with the Savannah Bananas to launch the “Wrong Hearts” Dance Contest. The duo are inviting fans to post their own “Wrong Hearts” dance videos on TikTok with the hashtag #LOCASHGOESBANANAS.
On Sept. 1, Brust and Lucas will personally choose the best video, and the winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime grand prize consisting of a trip for two to Houston for the entire weekend including airfare, hotel, and two VIP tickets to attend the final Savannah Bananas game of 2025 at Daikin Park on Sept. 27. The winners will hang in a private suite with Locash to watch the game, enjoy food and beverages, and even experience a “special surprise.” The most-viewed posts will earn the most entries and have the best chance to win.
Ty Myers Surprised With Triple Plaque Presentation During Indy Show
Josh Easler (RECORDS Nashville), Ty Myers and Joe Fisher (RECORDS Nashville). Photo: Helena Akhtar
Ty Myers was surprised onstage during a sold-out headline show at Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in Indianapolis on July 31 with three RIAA plaques. Myers’ current single, “Ends of the Earth,” earned Platinum status, while “Thought It Was Love” and “Drinkin’ Alone” are both Gold. Within six months since the arrival of Myers’ debut album, The Select, featuring solo writes “Ends of the Earth,” “Thought It Was Love,” and “Drinkin’ Alone,” he has already eclipsed over a half-billion global streams, and sold out the entirety of his 66-date headline “The Select Tour.”
JUST IN: MCA Extends Deal With Parker McCollum, Acquires His Catalog
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Nick Rhodes, MCA’s Jimmy Rector, Austin Jenkins, Katie McCartney, Derek Anderson, Miranda McDonald, Parker McCollum, Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, MCA’s Mike Harris, Rob Femia, Damon Moberly, Stephanie Alexa. Photo: Evan Harney
Parker McCollum has extended his exclusive recording agreement with MCA. Additionally, the company has acquired McCollum’s full catalog, including critically-acclaimed albums The Limestone Kid and Probably Wrong.
“I’m beyond excited to continue my journey with MCA. The team has supported me every step of the way, and I’m thrilled about what we’re building together,” says McCollum. “Acquiring my catalog means the world to me, and I’m grateful to be with a label that values my music, my story, and my future. The best is yet to come.”
“I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact Parker has had on country music, and this partnership is a testament to his unwavering talent and work ethic,” shares Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “The team at MCA has had the privilege to watch Parker’s hard work and talent propel him into one of the most important artists in country music today. We are immensely proud to extend our relationship with Parker and to take the next step in his career by acquiring his catalog. Parker’s future in music is incredibly bright, and we cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes him.”
The announcement comes on the heels of his recently released self-titled album. With over 3.2 billion streams, the CMA and ACM nominated artist has earned multiple No. 1 hits and Platinum certifications, and is currently amidst his 2025 tour.
RYMAN Inks With Concord Music Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Brad Kennard (Concord), Callie Cunningham Nobel (Red Light Management), RYMAN, Lily Bunta (Concord) and Cassidy Zuver (Red Light Management). Photo: Audrey Spillman
Singer-songwriter RYMAN has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. The deal includes select parts of RYMAN’s catalog, as well as future works.
The 21 year-old Nashville native’s sound is described as “y’allternative,” combining alternative, singer-songwriter and pop sounds. His storytelling and emotional reach in his songwriting has been praised by Finneas, Role Model and Joe Jonas, among others. Last month, RYMAN became Mom + Pop Music’s first Nashville-based signing.
“I’m super excited to be a part of the Concord family and feel grateful for the new experiences and opportunities it’s already starting to provide,” says RYMAN. “This team really feels like home and I’m grateful to have landed here.”
Upon his signing with Mom + Pop, he released his new single “Green.” The track, co-penned with Hunter West and Quinn Delbridge, has since been featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and “Fresh Finds Folk” playlists. RYMAN also released “Lucy” and “Lose” earlier this year, which followed his 2024 EP Cowboy Killers.
“I am delighted to welcome RYMAN to the Concord family,” shared Lily Bunta, A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “With exceptional talent as both a songwriter and an artist, Ryman brings a dynamic creative voice to our roster. We are proud to support his journey and can’t wait to see what we will create together.”
RYMAN has spent the past few months on the road opening for Ben Kweller, and will spend the fall supporting Joshua Slone.
Chris Young Reveals New Album Track List, Announces Holiday Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young
Chris Young has revealed the full track list for his new Black River Entertainment project I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, due out Oct. 17.
Young first teased this new chapter and I Didn’t Come Here To Leave with the lead single “Til The Last One Dies,” which is currently rising on the country and streaming charts, while the title track from the album is out now. The record was produced by Young and Andy Sheridan.
“On a record, a lot gets made of how many tempos and how many ballads, as opposed to just making a record from top to bottom that you’ve fallen in love with – but that’s all I’ve ever tried to do,” Young explains. “I look at this album and there are songs that make you want to buy a beer, and there’s songs that if you broke up with somebody, you’re going to want to cry. For different reasons, I feel like this is a complete album – and it would be a disservice to Black River if I didn’t turn in something I believed in this way.”
Chris Young’s I Didn’t Come Here To Leave Track List:
1. “Some Around Here” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
2. “I Didn’t Come Here To Leave” (Chris Young/Kyle Fishman/Dallas Davidson)
3. “Good As Yours” (Chris Young/Jonathan Smith/Jordan Walker/Trannie Anderson)
4. “I Hope It’s Okay” (Chris Young/Dave Fenley/Davis Forney/Austin Machado)
5. “I Feel A Cold One Coming On” (Chris Young/Tyler Reeve/Trent Tomlinson/Josh Gleave)
6. “Til The Last One Dies” (Ben Hayslip/Seth Mosley/Jordan Walker)
7. “Pour Some Whiskey On It” (Chris Young/Jessie Jo Dillon/Steven Lee Olsen/Jimmy Robbins)
8. “Boots On The Ground” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
9. “Tin Roof” (Ty Graham/Adam Wood/ Trenton Michael Fisher)
10. “Dirt And Daisies” (Chris Young/Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Parker Welling)
11. “Just Keep Living” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
12. “Jesus, Momma, Country Radio” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Taylor Phillips/Josh Phillips)
13. “What Would You Take” (Doug Johnson/Steve Diamond)
14. “Brake Lights” (Chris Young/ Hillary Lindsey/Ty Graham/Jesse Frasure)
Young has also announced his first-ever holiday tour, “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young,” which will kick off Nov. 20 in Cedar Rapids and run through Dec. 20. Tickets for the 15-date headlining shows are on sale starting Friday (Aug. 8) at chrisyoungcountry.com.
“It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young” Tour Dates:
11/20 – Cedar Rapids, IA — Paramount Theater
11/21 – Joliet, IL— Rialto Square Theatre
11/22 – Saginaw, MI — Dow Event Center Theater
11/29 – Wisconsin Dells, WI — Crystal Grand Music Theatre
11/30 – Cincinnati, OH — Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
12/4 – Wabash, IN — Ford Theater (Honeywell Center)
12/5 – Nashville, IN — Brown County Music Center
12/6 – Warren, OH — Packard Music Hall
12/11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA — The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
12/12 – Lowell, MA — Lowell Memorial Auditorium
12/13 – Bensalem, PA — Xcite Center at Parx Casino
12/17 – Tysons, VA — Capital One Hall
12/18 – Westbury, NY — Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
12/19 – Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
12/20 – Wallingford, CT — Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Country Music Community Remembers Jeannie Seely
/by Madison HahnenJeannie Seely on her last performance on the Opry stage Feb. 22, 2025. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
On Friday (Aug. 1), Jeannie Seely—a trailblazing artist who helped shape the Grand Ole Opry and country music at large—died at age 85 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee.
Since the news of her passing, artists, industry members and fans alike have taken to social media to share memories and pay tribute to the late country music icon. Below are some of those messages. Click here to read Seely’s full obituary.
“Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry. She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.” – Bill Anderson
“Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The Opry stage and this world will never be the same.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
“I am praying for Jeannie Seely. I believe that she’s joined Jesus Christ, Gene Ward, Nora Lee Allen, Joe Bonsall, Rusty Golden, and all of our dear loved ones we’ve lost. She made a lasting impact on not only Nashville but the world. Her contribution to country music and the Grand Ole Opry will never be forgotten. Most don’t know, but the last date I had with my beautiful wife was a double date with Jeannie Seely and Gene Ward. My heart is breaking right now.” – Duane Allen/The Oak Ridge Boys
“So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Jeannie Seely. Jeannie was one of the greatest women of country music in an era when people began to discover that country was America’s music. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.” – Lee Greenwood
“No one had a voice like Jeannie Seely and no one ever will. This is a sad time for country music. Prayers for her family.” – Ian Flanigan
“Jeannie Seely was one-of-a-kind across the board: as an entertainer, friend, and human being. It was an absolute honor for all of us at the Grand Ole Opry that she called this show home and that she thought of us as family. She gave it her all with every single Opry performance. All 5,397 of them. She is loved so much and will never be forgotten.” —Dan Rogers, Sr. Vice President, Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry and longtime friend of Jeannie Seely
“While I’ve had the privilege of working with Jeannie Seely over the past 25 years, my immediate grief is deeply personal. Early in my tenure at CMA, I shared unforgettable lunches with Jeannie and Jo Walker Meador, full of stories that were occasionally irreverent but always fascinating. Jeannie was at the very first Fan Fair with Jack Greene and remained a beloved fixture for decades. She once told me a hilarious story about switching credentials with Dottie West just to keep people on their toes. When the CMA Board honored her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023, it was for more than her music and fan relationships—it was for her spark. She mentored countless artists, especially women, and while they learned from her confidence and wit, she reminded us she was learning from them too. That humility was part of her magic.” — Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO
“We just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriter/entertainers of her generation. My beloved big sister, Jeannie Seely, has crossed over the river Jordan to be with Jesus. She will be in pain no longer. She was one of Sheila and my best friends and you could never hope to meet a better human being. She held the record for the all-time number of Grand Ole Opry appearances. She was a friend to everyone and had a razor sharp wit. The Opry won’t be the same without her. I’ll miss her terribly. No one will ever fill her shoes. Heaven is a better place with her there. Rest in peace sweet angel.” – T. Graham Brown
“My heart is broken. Broken! My friendship with Jeannie Seely started 49 years ago at the Opry, but more than a friend, Jeannie was my champion. When I left the Opry several years ago, we toured the country, where she made me her equal–trading stories and songs and entertaining the crowds together. She was the best entertainer I’ve ever had the honor to know. It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it…and as good as the Opry show is, the Opry spotlight will never shine as brightly, without Jeannie in the center circle. Jeannie Seely was an old friend, and like the song says, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”…you earn them. I love you, Jeannie. I always will. Thank you for believing in me…and teaching me how to believe in myself.” – Tim Atwood (‘Atwood’ as Jeannie would call him)
“Jeannie Seely was a Superstar. One of the great female voices in country music. She held the record for Grand Ole Opry performances, one that may never ever be broken. We’re all saddened by her passing and we will certainly miss her. She was a friend to so many and if you ever met her once she never forgot you. That’s rare these days in the fast-paced world we live in. But she wasn’t from this time, she was from the ‘Good Ole School’ days when people had to remember your name, before we could write it down on our iPhones. She was a great encourager. She always welcomed new visiting artists who were so nervous getting to play the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. She could make those butterflies in your stomach stop flapping their wings and bring some peace instead of fear. Not many like her anymore. I don’t know if she will ever be replaced, but we as members of the Opry can take Jeannie’s lead and be an encouragement to these younger ones when we see an opportunity. They need it and we can do it! Thank you Jeannie for a lifetime of good works and great music. Love you.” – Ricky Skaggs
“Jeannie, her friends called her ‘Stick’,’ was Janis’ and my oldest friend still alive in Nashville. We met her our first night in Nashville in June of 71 when another late great singer-songwriter, Dottie West, took us to Jeannie and Hank Cochran’s boat. From that night ‘Stick’ was my friend, my champion and an inspiration to me. I miss her already, but I believe that she’s in heaven having a good old time with Dottie, Roger, Micky, Kris, Jack, Hank, Waylon and, as the saying goes, many others. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Bible says, ‘To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. ‘Stick,’ I’ll see you when I do. Rest in Peace old friend. P.S. Janis and Steve and Rudy all say ditto and HALLELUJAH!” -Larry Gatlin / The Gatlin Brothers
“Jeannie was a very dear friend and a very special lady. She was the first one to ever introduce me on the Grand Ole Opry. She and I shared a lot of laughs and guitar town will never be the same without her. My heart hit the floor when I heard the news, and she will be missed. But, I don’t think she left anything on the table. I know where she is and we will laugh some more when I get there with her.” -Darryl Worley