Dolly Parton Breaks Her Silence on the Death of Jeannie Seely: “She Was One of My Dearest Friends”

Country music legend Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of one of her closest companions, Jeannie Seely, who passed away on August 1 at the age of 85 in Hermitage, Tennessee. Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely died following complications from an intestinal infection after a prolonged period of declining health. Her passing comes just eight months after the death of her husband, Gene Ward, who succumbed to cancer in December 2024.

The two women — both trailblazers in a male-dominated industry — shared a bond forged in the heart of Nashville’s vibrant country music scene in the 1960s. Their friendship began in earnest when Dolly Parton was chosen to replace Seely on The Porter Wagoner Show after Seely left to tour in the wake of her breakout success with “Don’t Touch Me.” From that moment on, they remained connected through performances at the Grand Ole Opry and beyond. In 2005, Seely’s vocals were even featured on Dolly’s collaborative album Those Were The Days, a testament to their enduring creative and personal bond.

Upon hearing the heartbreaking news, Parton took to Instagram with a simple, heartfelt tribute. Against a solemn black background, the message read:

“I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville. 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.”
— Dolly🦋

The post, signed with Dolly’s name and her signature butterfly, quickly drew an outpouring of love and condolences from fans. Messages flooded in from across the world, many expressing sorrow not just for the loss of Seely, but for what has been a difficult year for Parton personally and professionally. “Sorry for your loss. What a nice post to remember her by,” wrote one follower. Another added, “Rest in peace Jeannie, I’m so sorry for your loss Dolly 💖.”

The two women’s friendship represented a rare kind of artistic sisterhood — one grounded in mutual respect, laughter, and the grit it took to thrive in an industry that often asked too much of women and gave too little in return. Whether it was on stage at the Opry, behind the scenes at television tapings, or during casual visits, Dolly and Jeannie’s relationship stood as a testament to lasting female camaraderie in country music.

Jeannie Seely leaves behind a remarkable legacy: a Grammy Award-winning vocalist, the first Pennsylvania native inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and a fearless voice who broke boundaries with both her sound and her style. She was known not only for her hit songs and duets — including her signature collaboration “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” with Jack Greene — but also for her pioneering spirit, famously becoming the first woman to wear a miniskirt on the Opry stage.

For Dolly Parton, the loss is deeply personal. Jeannie wasn’t just a fellow performer — she was a friend, a kindred soul, and a part of the very fabric of Dolly’s early years in Music City.

As the music world says goodbye to Jeannie Seely, Dolly’s words echo with profound simplicity — a reminder that even in the spotlight, it is the shared humanity, humor, and heart that make a life well lived. And as fans revisit the duets and appearances they shared, there’s comfort in knowing that their voices will forever harmonize in the memories they left behind.

Funeral details for Seely have yet to be announced. She is survived by her family, countless fans, and the many artists she influenced — none more enduring than her dear friend, Dolly.