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Bill Cody, Longtime WSM Host and Grand Ole Opry Announcer, Dies at 67

A defining voice of country radio, his death prompted immediate tributes across Nashville.

Overview

  • WSM confirmed that Bill Cody died Tuesday after a battle with kidney and heart failure, and the station posted a tribute to mark his passing.
  • Cody joined WSM in 1994 and for more than three decades hosted the morning show Coffee, Country & Cody while regularly announcing live Grand Ole Opry broadcasts.
  • In late May his daughter publicly said he was critically ill and would need both heart and kidney transplants, which drew widespread prayers and support from the country-music community.
  • The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate its Saturday live broadcast to Cody and WSM plans a marathon of his show highlights, while artists and industry leaders issued immediate on-air and social media tributes.
  • He received major industry honors during his career, including induction into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and a 2024 Music City Walk of Fame star, and a posthumous Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame induction remains scheduled.