See The Meaningful Way Carly Pearce Honored Jeannie Seely At The Opry’s First International Show
Carly Pearce found a sweet and subtle way to honor Jeannie Seely at the Opry's special show in London, England. (Photo Credits: Grand Ole Opry via Carly Pearce / Facebook)
Grand Ole Opry Icon Jeannie Seely Passed Away On August 1, 2025
Carly Pearce wore some special jewelry onstage during the Grand Ole Opry’s first international show—jewelry that once belonged to her dear friend and mentor, Jeannie Seely.
Seely was a Grand Ole Opry icon. She became a member in 1967, and was deeply devoted to her Opry family. She performed on the Opry stage more times than any other singer, delivering 5,397 shows from “The Circle” during her lifetime.
Sadly, Seely passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Carly Pearce, who absolutely adored Seely, was devastated when she learned about her death.
“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,” Pearce wrote in tribute to Seely after her passing.
Due to a show she had scheduled in California, Pearce couldn’t attend Seely’s memorial service at the Opry on August 14. But she believes she received “a sign” from her dear friend that day.
Pearce went out to get breakfast when she saw someone walking a Shih Tzu. Seely loved Shih Tzus, and had one herself, who she named Cheyenne.
Pearce stopped to say hello to the little pup. When she asked the owner what its name was, they replied “Seely.” In a video she shared on her Instagram Story after the interaction, Pearce said, “So, if that doesn’t mean something, I don’t know what does.”
Carly Pearce Wears Jeannie Seely’s Jewelry During Opry Show In London
The Opry was certainly missing Seely as they prepared to cross the pond for their first international show. For one night only, the Opry came to London, as they hosted a show at the famous Royal Albert Hall.
That show, held on September 26, featured performances from Pearce, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart, Breabach, and Mumford & Sons.
At one point, Pearce invited Combs onstage for a surprise duet. Years ago, the duo joined Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton to co-write the song “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Combs couldn’t record the song with Pearce, so she released it as a duet with Lee Brice in 2019. Their collaboration went on to win multiple awards.
So when Combs appeared onstage with Pearce in London to sing “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” that was their first time ever singing the song together in public!
Throughout her duet with Combs and her entire set, Pearce was subtly paying tribute to Seely. She wore some of the legendary performer’s jewelry onstage.
Speaking to the crowd, Pearce recalled what she told Seely shortly before she passed away:
“I went to tell her goodbye in the hospital, and I held her hand, and I whispered in her ear, and I said, ‘Jeannie, I know how much the Grand Ole Opry means to you. I’m gonna bring you to London.’ So I just want you to know, this bling is Miss Jeannie’s…we know she’s watching in heaven tonight.”
Watch the following video to see Carly Pearce showcase Jeannie Seely’s jewelry during the Opry’s show in London. Plus, flip through the slideshow included immediately below the video to see a close-up photo of the beautiful bracelets and rings.
