Carly Pearce Shares “Precious” Sign She Received On The Day Of Jeannie Seely’s Funeral
Carly Pearce couldn't attend Jeannie Seely's funeral service on August 14th. But she believes the singer sent her a sign the morning of the funeral. (Photo Credits: Carly Pearce Facebook & Instagram)
Carly Pearce Pays Tribute To Jeannie Seely
Jeannie Seely inspired many artists who followed in her footsteps, including Carly Pearce.
Carly got her start singing at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. She eventually moved to Nashville, where she soon connected with Jeannie.
The “Every Little Thing” singer was in her early twenties when her and Jeannie’s friendship started. They lived down the street from each other, and Jeannie took Carly under her wing.
Jeannie invited Carly backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, knowing it was Carly’s greatest dream to sing there someday. Carly has performed at the Opry many times since, and became a member in 2021.
When Jeannie passed away on August 1, Carly was heartbroken. She detailed how much Jeannie’s friendship and guidance meant to her, writing:
“She celebrated my successes, let me cry on her back porch in private & helped welcome me into the Grand Ole Opry family. I can’t quite put into words what this woman means to me, the opry & country music… but I know there will be a hole in my heart forever. Jeannie, thank you for your guidance, your wit, your talents & 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.”
Carly also included several photos of her and Jeannie with her tribute, which you can see in the slideshow below.
Carly Couldn’t Attend The Funeral, But Still Got A Sign From Jeannie
No artist has ever performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than Jeannie. She sang there 5,397 times!
So it only seemed fitting that Jeannie’s memorial service was held at the Grand Ole Opry House. They billed it as her 5,398th Opry performance.
The nearly three-hour service took place on August 14, and performances were given by artists such as The War and Treaty, Larry Gatlin, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, and Darryl Worley. Dolly Parton also sent a sweet video message in which she called Jeannie “one of the most beautiful people” she has ever known.
Sadly, Carly was unable to attend Jeannie’s service. She had a show in California that she couldn’t skip.
But on the day of Jeannie’s funeral, Carly believes she received a sign from her dear friend and mentor.
In a video she shared on her Instagram Story, Carly said she was out getting breakfast the morning of Jeannie’s funeral when she spotted someone walking a Shih Tzu dog. That seemed like a sign itself, since Jeannie had a Shih Tzu named Cheyenne, whom she adored.
Carly stopped to pet the Shih Tzu because she couldn’t resist how cute she was. When she asked the owner what the little pup’s name was, she was awestruck.
“I had to meet her because she was precious,” Carly said about the dog. “And I asked her owner what her name was, and he said ‘Seely.’ So, if that doesn’t mean something, I don’t know what does.”
Receiving that sign from Jeannie on the day of her funeral comforted Carly. “Jeannie, you’re going to be honored today, and so many people love you,” she said. “That was really cool.”
Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Jeannie Seely. You can watch the livestream of her memorial service at the Grand Ole Opry at this link.
