The Last Opry Bow: Jeannie Seely’s Final Farewell on Country’s Most Sacred Stage
It was a night heavy with history at the Grand Ole Opry. On a cool Wednesday evening in 2025, Jeannie Seely — the woman long known as “Miss Country Soul” — stepped onto the stage she had graced for nearly six decades. This time, however, it wasn’t for another performance. It was for her final bow.
A lifetime of dedication
Since her Opry debut in 1967, Seely had become more than a performer — she was part of the Opry’s very fabric. With over 5,400 appearances, she held the record for the most Opry performances in history. Each appearance carried her warmth, wit, and the same fiery energy she brought when she first sang “Don’t Touch Me,” the Grammy-winning hit that launched her career.
The emotions of goodbye
As she sang her last song, the audience rose in a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but so did joy. She thanked her fans, her fellow artists, and the Opry itself — calling it “the greatest home I’ve ever known.” Her voice cracked as she added: “This isn’t goodbye to music. It’s just goodbye to walking through this circle of wood.”
Why now?
Seely’s decision wasn’t forced. At 85, she explained she wanted her final bow to be on her terms — strong, graceful, and true to herself. Rather than fade away quietly, she chose to celebrate the legacy she built in front of those who had loved her longest. Fans described it as bittersweet: the end of an era, but also a moment of gratitude for a career lived fully.