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Grand Ole Opry Announcer and WSM Radio Host Bill Cody Dead at 67

Bill Cody, a beloved country music radio personality who served as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry and hosted a WSM morning show, passed away Tuesday in Nashville at 67. His death follows an outpouring of support from the country music

Variety Music·Jun 10, 2026·via Variety Music

Grand Ole Opry Announcer and WSM Radio Host Bill Cody Dead at 67

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Jun 9, 2026 9:33pm PT

Bill Cody, Grand Ole Opry Announcer and Revered WSM Country Radio Personality, Dies at 67

Dierks Bentley said Cody was 'just as important to the fabric of our music and city as any artist, songwriter or musician.'

By Chris Willman

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Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

ChrisWillman

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Bill Cody, one of the nation’s most revered country radio personalities from his decades-long roles as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry and WSM morning show host, died Tuesday in Nashville. He was 67.

In recent days, much of Nashville’s country music community had sent out calls for prayer on behalf of Cody, after his daughter said in late May that he was in critical condition and could only survive if he received heart and kidney transplants. In sharing news of his passing Tuesday night, David wrote on Facebook, “We will never be able to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and the sincere prayers over the last few weeks. We know God heard them and we feel a deep peace that one day we will understand why God chose to still take him.”