Jeannie Seely, Country Music Trailblazer and Opry Icon, Dies at 85 Country music has lost one of its most enduring voices. Jeannie Seely, lovingly known as “Miss Country Soul,” passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Seely rose to prominence in the late 1960s with her Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me.” But beyond the awards, her legacy was built on something deeper — consistency, resilience, and a profound love for the stage. She made history as the first woman to host the Grand Ole Opry, a show she would go on to grace an astonishing…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
George Strait’s Quiet Compassion: Supporting Maui Wildfire Victims with Prayer and Aid While headlines often spotlight awards and sold-out stadiums, some of country music’s most meaningful moments happen far from the stage. George Strait — the King of Country — has once again shown that true character doesn’t need a spotlight. In the wake of the devastating 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, Strait has quietly stepped in to support victims through both financial aid and personal prayer. Unlike high-profile donation campaigns or viral announcements, Strait’s support has been discreet. Sources close to the singer confirm that he’s made private contributions…
Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 Hulk Hogan, the iconic WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71. According to TMZ, emergency services responded to a call about a cardiac arrest at Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday, July 24. Paramedics reportedly transported him on a stretcher. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Getty Images (@gettyimages) Just weeks prior, Us Weekly had reported that Hogan underwent heart surgery, described as “serious” but successful. At the time, sources close to Hogan emphasized…
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Reunite in Stunning Surprise “Austin” Duet No one saw it coming. And yet, as it unfolded, it felt like the kind of moment country music was always building toward. During a sold-out show in Nashville on July 30, 2025, Miranda Lambert began what seemed like a typical solo set—until the familiar opening chords of Austin filled the arena. Her voice trembled as she turned to the crowd and said softly, “I never thought I’d sing this song with you again.” Then, from the shadows, Blake Shelton walked onstage. For the first time since their 2015…
Blake Shelton Almost Quit Music—Because of Beauty Pageants Before Blake Shelton topped country charts and became a familiar face on The Voice, his journey nearly came to a screeching halt—thanks to an unlikely source: childhood beauty pageants. Growing up in Ada, Oklahoma, Shelton’s early performances didn’t start in bars or big concert halls. Instead, his first audiences were at local school pageants. It was his mother, Dorothy Shackleford, who signed him up for them, eager to showcase her son’s budding talent. But for a young boy, standing alone onstage surrounded by girls in gowns and tiaras wasn’t exactly a confidence…
Riley Green and Ella Langley Go Platinum Again with “Don’t Mind If I Do” Riley Green and Ella Langley have struck platinum once more, this time with their heartfelt duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” The nostalgic track, which explores the remnants of a past romance, has officially been certified platinum by the RIAA, marking over one million units sold and solidifying its status as a standout collaboration in today’s country music scene. This marks the Alabama-born duo’s second platinum achievement, following their previous hit “You Look Like You Love Me.” Both songs reveal a creative chemistry that fans have…
George Strait Surprises Small Colorado Town with Intimate Benefit Performance On the evening of July 17, 2025, the quiet town of Almont, Colorado, witnessed a moment that will live in local legend. What began as a low-key charity night for Gunnison Tough — a nonprofit supporting families affected by cancer — turned into an unforgettable experience when George Strait unexpectedly took the stage. There were no announcements. No fanfare. Just a quiet introduction from Dean Dillon, Strait’s longtime songwriting partner, who teased the crowd with, “I’ve got a buddy who’d like to play a little.” Moments later, George Strait stepped…
Alan Jackson Opens Up About the Heartbreaking Loss of His Son-in-Law For years, country music icon Alan Jackson carried a devastating loss close to his chest. Now, the legendary singer is speaking out — not as a chart-topping artist, but as a grieving father navigating an unimaginable tragedy. A Devastating Loss in 2018 In September 2018, the Jackson family was hit with an unexpected and tragic blow. Alan’s son-in-law, Ben Selecman — husband to his daughter Mattie — passed away at just 28 years old. A rising young Assistant District Attorney in Davidson County, Tennessee, Ben sustained a traumatic head…
Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert Finally Release First Duet: “A Song to Sing” After years of behind-the-scenes collaborations and electric live performances, Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert have finally teamed up for an official duet — and it’s already turning heads. Years in the Making While “A Song to Sing” marks their first official release as a duo, Stapleton and Lambert’s creative connection runs deep. Stapleton has long been a presence in Lambert’s music, lending backing vocals to tracks like “Time to Get a Gun” and “Hard Staying Sober”, which he also co-wrote. Their onstage chemistry has been on full…
Morgan Wallen Makes 9-Year-Old Cancer Survivor’s Dream Come True at Maryland Concert Morgan Wallen recently turned one little girl’s dream into reality—and gave her a night she’ll never forget. Nine-year-old Kenley, who was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer last December, had one big wish while going through months of chemotherapy: to meet her favorite country star. Thanks to some generous friends and Wallen’s team, that dream came true during his September 2 concert at FedEx Field in Maryland. Kenley’s journey hasn’t been easy. Doctors found a mass on her left kidney late last year, which led to the complete…