Jeannie Seely’s twin marriages; who were her husbands and what did they do

Country music icon Jeannie Seely, beloved for hits like “Don’t Touch Me” and “Sentimental Journey,” died on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. A Grammy Award winner and a Grand Ole Opry member since 1967, Seely was celebrated for her trailblazing contributions to country music and for her warmth, wit, and resilience.

Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely began her musical journey at just 11 years old, performing on local radio.

After a stint in California working with Liberty and Imperial Records, she moved to Nashville and signed with Monument Records.


Her 1966 breakout single, “Don’t Touch Me”, written by her then-future husband Hank Cochran, earned her a Grammy Award and propelled her to national fame. The couple married in 1969, but their relationship ended in divorce in 1981.

Years later, Seely found love again with Eugene H. Ward, a Nashville-based attorney. The two had known each other for years through the Donelson Chamber of Commerce and eventually tied the knot in November 2010.

They remained together for 15 years until Ward’s death from cancer in December 2024.

In her final year, Seely faced ongoing health struggles, undergoing multiple back surgeries and two emergency abdominal operations, including an 11-day stay in the ICU.

Who was Jeannie Seely’s first husband Hank Cochran?

Jeannie Seely was married to renowned country songwriter Hank Cochran from 1969 to 1981.

Cochran was married five times. Jeannie was His fourth wife. He married his fifth wife, Suzi, and they were married until his death in 2010. Prior to his relationship with Seely, Cochran had three sons which Seely helped to raise.

Cochran underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer in July 2008 and a second surgery for an aortic aneurysm in April 2010. His health declined, and he died on July 15, 2010, at 74.

Her second marriage: Eugene H. Ward

Later, Seely married Eugene H. Ward, a Nashville-based attorney and former Vice President and Legal Counsel at the Nashville Electric Service. The couple tied the knot at Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville in November 2010.

Ward, who had represented NES before both the Tennessee General Assembly and the US Congress, passed away from cancer in December 2024 at the age of 92.

In a heartfelt statement following his passing, Seely told People magazine:

“My heart is broken now, but I am so grateful for the 15 years I had with Gene… My love and respect for him grew daily, and it continues as I learn how much he touched the lives of so many people.”

The two had known each other for many years, serving together on the Donelson Chamber of Commerce, and only later developed a romantic relationship.

A stepmother and grandmother figure

Seely never had biological children of her own but embraced the role of stepmother and grandmother. She remained close to Cochran’s sons and later helped raise Eugene Ward’s children and grandchildren.

Ward had three children from a prior marriage: Judy Olive, Keven Ward, and Johnny Myers. Seely once described becoming a grandmother as a joyful and unexpected gift in her life.

Jeannie Seely celebrated 55 years as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2022 and continued making music until shortly before her death. In 2024, she released the single “Suffertime” and was reportedly working on more material, highlighting her lifelong passion for country music.