Carly Pearce was heartbroken to miss Jeannie Seely‘s funeral — but a touching sign reminded her that her dear friend was still close, even from 2,000 miles away.

The Grand Ole Opry legend died on Aug. 1 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tenn., from complications related to an intestinal infection. She was 85.

Seely’s funeral was held Thursday (Aug. 14) in Nashville, but Pearce — who counted her as both a mentor and a treasured friend — was in California preparing for a show.

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“I have been gutted that I’m missing it,” Pearce admitted in a video on her Instagram Story. “But there was no way (I could be there) because I have a show tonight in California.”

That’s when something happened that stopped her in her tracks.

A Sweet, Perfect Sign

Pearce said she was getting breakfast that morning when she spotted an adorable Shih Tzu.

“I had to meet her because she was precious,” she recalled. “And I asked her owner what her name was, and he said ‘Seely.’ So, if that doesn’t mean something, I don’t know what does.”

The “Every Little Thing” singer took it as a direct message from above.

“Jeannie, you’re going to be honored today, and so many people love you,” Pearce said. “That was really cool.”

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She later shared a photo of the little dog alongside a picture of Seely with her own beloved long-haired Shih Tzu, Cheyenne.

“You tell me this isn’t God,” Pearce wrote. “Jeannie, I love you so much & know you gave me that sign today because you know I’m heartbroken I’m not there.”

A Bond Beyond the Stage

Pearce and Seely’s friendship ran far deeper than sharing the Opry stage.

When Seely passed away, Pearce called her a “true friend, confidant, and champion for me.”

She credited Seely with making her feel at home in the Opry family and encouraging her through moments of doubt.

“Jeannie was a light in this business, in my life, and for anyone who knew her,” Pearce wrote in her tribute.

Remembering Jeannie Seely

Seely’s funeral took place at the Grand Ole Opry House, where the country music community gathered to celebrate her extraordinary life and career.

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Known for hits like “Sentimental Journey” and her warm wit, Seely was a beloved fixture of the Opry for more than five decades.

Though Pearce couldn’t be there in person, her unexpected breakfast encounter was a powerful reminder that the love between friends can cross any distance.