Country legend Jeannie Seely mourns her husband Gene Ward's death at 92: 'First morning in heaven'
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: It’s a heartbreaking time for country music legend Jeannie Seely as she says goodbye to her beloved husband, Eugene "Gene" Ward.
Gene died on Friday, December 13, at a life care center in Nashville at the age of 92 after a battle with cancer.
Seely, 84, shared her grief with fans on Facebook the next morning, posting two breathtaking photos of a Nashville sunrise and captioning them, "Gene's first morning in Heaven."
Jeannie Seely said she was 'blessed' to be Eugene 'Gene' Ward's wife
Just days earlier Jeannie Seely had revealed that her husband Gene’s health had taken a serious turn. On Wednesday, the 'Sentimental Journey' crooner shared that her husband's cancer had returned, alongside other major health issues.
"Thanksgiving morning Gene asked me to call 911 as he was having chest pains and couldn’t breathe," Seely wrote.
She continued, "At St. Thomas Hospital, they also confirmed that cancer is back. He has been transferred to Lifecare in Old Hickory for care, and they are great folks there. His boys, Gregg, Kevin, and Shane, are the best. We would be grateful for extra prayers."
"Gene Ward is one of the most amazing men I have ever known, and I have been so blessed to be his wife," the country legend shared.
Fans flooded the comment section with prayers and words of encouragement at the time, but Seely had to share the devastating news of Gene’s death just days later.
The country music community wasted no time in showing their support for Seely. Fans who had met Gene backstage at the Grand Ole Opry shared fond memories of his warmth and kindness.
"Bless your heart prayers for you... every time we met backstage at the opry we always shared jokes and had a big time I'll miss him greatly," one wrote.
"I am so sorry for your loss Jeannie Seely! I loved getting to know Gene over the years. He always had a smile on his face. And now he’s smiling, watching over you. Will be thinking of you!" another offered.
"I’m just so sorry for your loss, Jeannie! Gene was always so kind to me backstage at the Opry any time I saw him and he always made a point to say hello. Thinking of you and the family and will be keeping you in my prayers," someone else commented.
One more expressed, "So very sorry for your loss .. a beautiful welcoming skyline for Gene’s first morning in Heaven. Thankful for no more pain for him and pray God will comfort your heart and your family as you hold each other up during this sad time."
Eugene 'Gene' Ward: A life of service
Eugene "Gene" Ward's life was nothing short of remarkable. Born in White Pine, Tennessee, he was a man of intellect and integrity. After attending White Pine High School, he pursued business administration at Lincoln Memorial University before studying law at the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Gene’s career was just as impressive as his education. He served as Vice President and General Counsel at Nashville Electric Service, as Assistant General Counsel, and later as General Counsel to the Tennessee Public Service Commission. Over the years, he acted as an Administrative Law Judge in roughly 400 cases.
His dedication to public service didn’t stop with his career. Gene was deeply involved in his community, from serving as President of the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce to being an active member of Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, the Leadvale Masonic Lodge, and the Al Menah Shrine Temple.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell even honored Gene’s service and leadership with a proclamation in September, delivered by State Representative Darren Jernigan.
Jeannie Seely and Eugene 'Gene' Ward's love story
Jeannie Seely and Eugene "Gene" Ward married in 2010 and their love story was one for the ages. When Gene’s health took a turn in 2018, Seely turned to social media, asking for prayers from fans.
Miraculously, Gene made a recovery that doctors called "a medical miracle." To celebrate, the couple renewed their vows in February 2019 aboard the Country Music Cruise on the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam ship.
At the time, Seely credited his recovery to the power of prayer.
While mourning her personal loss, Seely remains one of country music’s brightest stars.
Known for hits like 'Don’t Touch Me', 'Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You', and 'Can I Sleep in Your Arms', she’s been a trailblazer in the industry. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and remains its oldest active member at 84, regularly performing at the iconic venue.
Gene’s family will host a visitation at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville on Thursday, December 19, at 11 am CST, with a memorial service to follow at 1 pm CST. Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Opry Trust Fund, causes close to Gene’s heart, Taste of Country reported.
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