Marilyn Seely was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and author. She was better known as Jeannie Seely was a pioneering Grammy-winning country music artist, affectionately nicknamed “Miss Country Soul.” Her breakthrough song “Don’t Touch Me” became a classic, and she reshaped the image of women in country music with over 5,397 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry more than any other performer in its history. 
| Full Name | Marilyn Jeanne Seely |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Jeannie Seely |
| Born | July 6, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Titusville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | August 1, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 85 |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Radio Host, Actress |
| Genres | Country, Nashville Sound |
| Years Active | 1960s – 2025 |
| Famous Songs | Don’t Touch Me, Can I Sleep in Your Arms, Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You |
| Grammy Award | 1967 – Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Don’t Touch Me” |
| Marriages | Hank Cochran (divorced), Gene Ward (m. 2010 – d. 2024) |
| Grand Ole Opry Appearances | 5,397 (Record Holder) |
Marilyn Seely – Early life
Jeannie Seely born on July 6, 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, United States and raised on a farmhouse near Townville as the youngest of four children to parents Leo and Irene Seely.
He was Influenced by her music-loving parents mother sang, father played banjo and the family’s weekend pick‑in‑and‑sing gatherings. At age 11, she was singing on local radio station WMGW; by 16, performing on Erie’s WICU TV station.
After high school, worked at the Titusville Trust Company while pursuing night banking classes. At age 21, she moved to Hollywood with just $50 and a Ford Falcon, working first as a secretary and then writing songs and performing on Hollywood Jamboree.
Marilyn Seely – Career
She Signed to Challenge Records in California and had regional successes as songwriter and performer. In 1965, urged by friend Dottie West, she moved to Nashville with minimal funds and quickly auditioned for Porter Wagoner’s show, becoming his featured female vocalist.
Monument Records & Signature Hit
Joined Monument Records and released “Don’t Touch Me” in 1966 a soulful crossover ballad written by Hank Cochran which reached No. 2 on the U.S. country charts and won a Grammy for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance Female.
Her debut album The Seely Style followed in September 1966, charting in the top 10 and cementing her as a star.
Duets and Solo Hits
In 1969, Seely married songwriter Hank Cochran and soon after teamed with Jack Greene. Their duet “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You” hit No. 2 in 1969 and led to a highly successful touring and recording partnership through the 1970s.
Solo successes followed: “A Wanderin’ Man” (1967), “I’ll Love You More (Than You Need)” (1968), “Can I Sleep in Your Arms” (1973), and “Lucky Ladies” (1974).
After a serious car accident in 1977, her career slowed, but she continued releasing music, acting, and performing. After a serious car accident in 1977, her career slowed, but she continued releasing music, acting, and performing.
Long-Term Legacy
Became a Grand Ole Opry member on September 16, 1967, later becoming the first woman to regularly host Opry segments, and famously challenged performance dress norms by appearing in a miniskirt on the Opry stage which sparked both controversy and change. Seely released a total of 17 studio albums, including Thanks, Hank!, Number One Christmas (1994), and her 2020 Curb Records release An American Classic.
In 2018, she launched her weekly radio show “Sunday’s with Seely” on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse; she was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame that same year.
Marilyn Seely – Personal Life
She married Hank Cochran in 1969; they divorced around 1979. Later married Nashville attorney Gene Ward in 2010; Ward passed away in December 2024 from cancer. Jeannie was survived by extended family (parents Leo and Irene, siblings Donald, Bernard, Mary Lou deceased), many close friends, and her beloved cat, Corrie.
Marilyn Seely – Death
Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, due to complications from an intestinal infection, following multiple back surgeries, abdominal procedures, a pneumonia bout, and an ICU stay she was 85 years old.
Her publicist Don Murry Grubbs confirmed her passing. Earlier in 2025, after her surgeries and time in ICU, she remarked:
“Rehab is pretty tough, but each day is looking brighter, and last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. And it was neon, so I knew it was mine!”.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
