Jeannie Seely To Be Honored With Public Memorial Service, ‘Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show’

The late country music legend, Jeannie Seely, is set to be honored with a celebration of life in the place that played such a huge part in her life – the Grand Ole Opry.

A public memorial service titled “Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show” will be held on Wednesday, August 14 at 10 a.m. CT at the historic Nashville venue. The special event will be broadcast live on 650 AM WSM and livestreamed here, allowing fans around the world to take part in honoring her memory.

According to a press release, Seely, famously known as “Miss Country Soul,” was 85 years old when she passed away August 1, 2025 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. She died as a result of complications caused by an intestinal infection.

The “Don’t Touch Me” singer had been battling ongoing health complications since last fall, when a trip to her Pennsylvania hometown ended with a hospital stay. She was treated for acute diverticulitis and dehydration at that time. In the months that followed, Seely underwent multiple back procedures to address damaged vertebrae, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries.

Her health further declined after the passing of her husband of 14 years, Eugene W. Ward, in December 2024. Seely passed away in hospice care shortly after celebrating her 85th birthday on July 6.

On March 1, 2025, Seely made her final public appearance at the grand reopening of the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville’s Music Valley. The building now features her portrait on its exterior as well as a reimagined exhibit inside that celebrates her impact on country music.

Throughout her groundbreaking career, she became an essential part of the Opry family, performing in its coveted circle a record-breaking 5,397 times, which is more than any other artist in history. Her legendary journey at the Opry began when she became a member in 1967 and famously became the first person to wear a mini skirt on the Opry stage. 

She went on to be recognized as the longest-performing female artist still actively working in country music at the time of her passing.

In keeping with that legacy, her final sendoff is being dubbed her 5,398^th show. This event will serve as both a heartfelt goodbye and a fitting tribute to her immense contributions to the country music community.

Fans are encouraged to celebrate Jeannie Seely’s life with donations to the Opry Trust Fund in lieu of flowers. This fund provides assistance to members of the country music community in need. Since it was founded in 1965, over $4.8 million has been distributed amongst members of the music industry.

The Pennsylvania native’s team also suggested sending a donation to a pet charity as a way to honor a cause close to her heart.

Throughout her career, Seely racked up countless accolades, including her achievement as the third female country artist to win a GRAMMY. Jeannie Seely was a member of the Music City Walk of Fame, and recently received CMA’s prestigious Joe Talbot Award on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Jeannie Seely’s voice, contributions and trailblazing spirit helped shape both the Opry and country music as a whole. Now, the spotlight will shine on her one final time at “Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show.”