Dolly Parton Posts Touching Tribute to Fellow Country Star

Jeannie Seely, who passed away on August 1, 2025, was a true country music legend. To fellow singer Dolly Parton, though, Seely was so much more than that; she was also a beloved friend. In honor of their friendship, Parton took to Instagram with a touching tribute post dedicated to the “Don’t Touch Me” singer.

Parton called Seely one of her “dearest friends” in the post and shared some small details about their bond. Fans in the post’s comments section shared support for Parton, who is still mourning the loss of her husband. “I’m so sorry for this new loss, Dolly. May the Lord hold you and Jeannie’s family tight,” one fan wrote.

The Pair of Singers Knew Each Other For Decades

Getty

As Parton explained in her tribute post, she and her late friend had known each other since the beginning of their music careers. “I have known Jeannie Seely since we were early on in Nashville,” she wrote. As Hello! shared, the pair first crossed paths thanks to “The Porter Wagoner Show,” when Seely left the show to go on tour in the late 1960s. Parton took her place, and the rest is history.

Later in life, the duo joined forces on Parton’s 2005 album, “Those Were The Days.” Seely, along with several other singers, lent background vocals to the record’s title track. The two singers also appeared together at The Grand Ole Opry on several occasions, including for Reba McEntire’s 30th anniversary.

Parton Recently Announced a Break From Songwriting

Getty

The sad news of her friend’s passing comes in an already difficult year for Parton, who lost her husband in March 2025. On an episode of “Khloe in Wonderland,” Parton told host Khloe Kardashian that she is taking a break from songwriting. “I can’t do it right now, because I got so many other things and I can’t afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now,” she explained.

Although she isn’t currently writing new music, aspiring songwriters still receive life-changing songwriting prizes in her name. As Music Row reported, the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award has offered a national competition for the last ten years, since its inception in 2015. The 2025 winner, Audrey Ketter, received $10,000 for her winning entry.