Country music icon Jeannie Seely has died at the age of 85.
She was best known for her songs including 1960s hits Don’t Touch Me, I’ll Love You More (Than You Need) and Can I Sleep In Your Arms? released in 1973.
Seely, who also played at legendary venue the Grand Ole Opry more than 5,300 times, died at Summit Medical Center in Tennessee on Friday.
Her cause of death was complications from an intestinal infection, according to People magazine.
Seely had been battling health issues for much of 2025 following the death of her husband last year, a statement from her rep revealed.
She had also undergone ‘multiple back surgeries this spring for vertebrae repairs’ as well as ‘two emergency abdominal surgeries’.
The music star had also spent 11 days in the intensive care unit after suffering from pneumonia, the statement added.
Husband Eugene Ward had died from cancer in December 2024.
One of those paying tribute to Seely following the news was Dolly Parton.
‘I have known Jeanie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,’ the I Will Always Love You hitmaker began, calling Seely one of her ‘dearest friends’.
‘I think she was one of the greater singers in Nashville and she had a wonderful sense of humour.
‘We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together and she will be missed.’
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