GRAMMY® winning artist, Jeannie Seely, celebrated her 55th year anniversary of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, September 17th in grand style. During her 55-year membership, Jeannie Seely has never left the Opry or missed a year of performing on the coveted Opry stage. She has become known for the many firsts during her long-lasting and extensive career, including the honor of becoming the first artist from her home state of Pennsylvania to become an Opry member and one of her proudest accomplishments of being the first female to regularly host segments on the show. Along with Jack Greene, they were the first artists to record a live album at the Opry house. One of the most controversial was when she was the first to walk on stage wearing a mini-skirt which led to allowing other performers to wear what they chose to wear on the Opry stage and one of the most requested was the opportunity to introduce numerous up and coming artists for their debut performance, which she did again on Saturday with the introduction of Chapel Hart for their first Opry moment.
Another first for Seely on Saturday night was the recognition by Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers and Director of Opry Talent, Gina Keltner, for holding the record of most performances on the Opry stage during the 97-year history of the show with over 5000 performances, a feat no other artist has ever achieved. This is a number that will continue to climb as she welcomes the fans as she walks onto the stage to entertain them with her wit and perform the songs audiences from around the world recognize. Watch the presentation here.
As she welcomed the crowd Saturday night, she proudly stated, “This is such a special night. I don’t even know what to say,” shared Seely. “I’m just enjoying every second of it, and I will never take it for granted when I come through the Opry doors. I was thinking maybe I should wear a gown for this special occasion and then I thought, you know, if they are not impressed with me after 55 years a gown ain’t gonna do it now! But I didn’t come here 55 years ago to impress you, I came to entertain you.”
The celebration did not end as the red velvet curtain closed, but continued at The Troubador in Music Valley where Ms. Seely hosted the return of the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree for the first time since it closed in May 2021. The event was filled with family, friends, fans, artists and music industry VIPS to show support and commemorate the return of the long-running show as well as celebrate Seely’s successful career. Performers joining her on this monumental evening included Mark Wills, Sunny Sweeney, Dallas Wayne, Diane Berry and Joe Wade Smith, Moore & Moore as special guests.
Two very special honors were made to Ms. Seely during the special evening recognizing her for her many career accomplishments and community involvement. A Legislative Proclamation signed by Governor Bill Lee and presented by Bill Beck and a Resolution from the Metropolitan Council and Davidson County signed by Jeff Syracuse and Larry Hagar was presented by former Vice President and legal counsel for NES, Gene Ward.
“Thank you to the treasured Grand Ole Opry for allowing me to enter that special backstage entrance, occupy the Minnie Pearl dressing room, cover that famous stage and stand in the hallowed circle. I think you should find something you have a passion for in life and embrace it. I found the Grand Ole Opry!” exclaimed Jeannie Seely.
“Every single one of us at the Opry is indebted to Jeannie Seely (it feels strange not to refer to her simply as “Seely”), for so much, including her music, her wit and wisdom, and her genuine commitment to this show she loves. 55 years and 5,000+ performances later, she’s better than ever. Thanks, Seely,” shared Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers.
“We were truly excited to have Jeannie be the host for the return of the Midnite Jamboree. All the history surrounding this show and her wanting to be a part really means a lot! To have someone as deeply rooted in the business be as passionate about the Jamboree is a great honor for us and the country music family,” expressed Ernest Dale Tubb III.
"We were so excited to have The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree back at The Troubadour!” exclaimed owner, Rodney Collins. “Jeannie Seely hosting and celebrating her 55th year as a Grand Ole Opry member for this night, truly made the Jamboree historical again. This was such an honor."
