NASHVILLE, TN. – Grammy winning artist and Grand Ole Opry member, Jeannie Seely, was presented with a Proclamation from Texas Governor Gregg Abbott bestowing on her the honor of an Honorary Texan after her performance during the 23rd Annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame event in Carthage, Texas on Saturday, August 14. The presentation was given by Texas Country Music Hall of Fame President – Tommie Ritter Smith for all of Jeannie Seely’s contributions to the Texas music community, including her beautiful display in the museum, her affiliation with Willie Nelson through her radio show on SiriusXM “Willie’s Roadhouse” and her performances over the years in Texas and with the Texas Hall of Fame band along with many other affiliations with the music industry in Texas.
The official proclamation reads: “To all whom these presents shall come. Greetings: Know ye that Jeannie Seely is hereby commissioned an Honorary Texan under the laws of the State of Texas, and emoluments appertaining to said office. In testimony whereof, I have signed my name, and caused the Seal of the State of Texas to be affixed at the City of Carthage, this, the 14th Day of August, 2021.”
“Some of my biggest heroes have been Texans, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, Cindy Walker and Willie Nelson to name a few, and Texans have always seemed to be so positive, fun-loving and full of pride. Now I can share that pride,” expressed Jeannie Seely! “ This is truly an honor, thank you Gov. Abbott, Tommie Ritter Smith and all of Texas for accepting me. I appreciate you!”
“Jeannie Seely has been a great friend to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame since the beginning. She has graciously performed several times on our show and was the host for our event,” shared Texas Country Music Hall of Fame President – Tommie Ritter Smith. “To have this special lady be recognized as an honorary Texan by our governor is a very special honor.”
“Honorary Texan” recognition is bestowed by Texas governors and is a process known to have begun in the 1930s. According to some more modern-day discussions, the bestowing of such an honor can be given to natives of other states only and the recipient is entitled to the biggest thing that Texas owns, and that’s its enormous sense of belonging and identity.
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