A public memorial service will be held next week to honor Jeannie Seely. Seely was 85 years old when passed away on August 1, in a Nashville hospital. Seely performed at the Grand Ole Opry 5,397 times, more than any artist in the Opry's 100-year history. With that in mind, Seely will be remembered with a Celebration of Life service, called Jeannie Seely's 5,398th Opry Show, in honor of her legacy.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Seely's memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 14, at 10:00 AM at the Grand Ole Opry. Fans unable to attend in person will be able to listen via 650 WSM AM. It will also be livestreamed here.
Seely had been battling numerous health problems since last fall. Per a press release, Seely succumbed to complications from an intestinal infection. Her health problems reportedly escalated following the death of her husband, Gene Ward, in December. She also endured numerous back surgeries for vertebrae repairs earlier this year, along with two emergency abdominal surgeries.
Jeannie Seely And Her Legacy In Country Music
Not only does Jeannie Seely hold the record as the artist who performed the most at the Grand Ole Opry, but she also made Opry history as well. She is the first artist to wear a miniskirt on stage, and is also the first female to host a segment on the Grand Ole Opry.
Numerous artists paid tribute to Seely after she passed away, including The Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen.
"The last date I had with my Norah Lee was with Jeannie Seely & [her husband] Gene Ward," Allen says. "A double date with best friends. They are all gone but me. Jeannie hosted the segment on the OPRY when we were invited to become members. My heart is broken tonight. I loved her."
Carly Pearce reveals the deathbed vow she made to the icon.
"I can't quite put into words what this woman means to me, the Opry and country music... but I know there will be a hole in my heart forever," Pearce writes. "Jeannie, thank you for your guidance, your wit, your talents and your shine. I whispered in her ear this week that I promised to keep the sparkles in the circle and her legacy in lights- and I promise to do that. I love you forever, Jeannie."
" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)">
