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Bill Cody, longtime voice of the Grand Ole Opry, dies

Bill Cody, the longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer and Country Radio Hall of Famer whose career spans nearly 50 years on the airwaves, has died after a period of declining health, WSM Radio announced late June 9."It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and beloved WSM voice, Bill Cody," the outlet said in a social media post.Cody was admitted to the intensive care unit in heart and kidney failure about three weeks ago, his daughter, Hannah Davis, shared in a Facebook post on May 31. Grand Ole Opry announcer Kelly Sutton was among the many posting messages of love and tribute following the news of his death."A singular presence on WSM-AM Nashville for more than three decades, Bill welcomed listeners each morning on Coffee, Country & Cody with a broad smile, a conversational ease, and an unerring ability to make both artists and audiences feel at home," WSM Radio posted on Facebook. "He joined WSM in 1994 and had Charlie Daniels as his first in-studio guest. He built more than a morning show; he created a gathering place rooted in his deep love for country music and the people behind it."The outlet added: "Bill’s voice also became synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he frequently served as host, including Opry Country Classics. His work extended across television and syndicated radio, bringing country music to audiences far beyond Nashville."As one of the most familiar and beloved voices in country music broadcasting, Cody helped shape the soundtrack of Nashville for decades. His career spanned nearly 50 years on the airwaves, including roles in nationally syndicated radio, television, and film, and more than 30 years as host of WSM Radio’s flagship morning show, "Coffee, Country & Cody."Over the years, Cody has earned multiple nominations from the CMA, ACM, and Billboard for broadcasting excellence. He was recently honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in the fall of 2024 and was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008.Cody and his high school sweetheart, Rebecca, raised three children and made their home outside Cross Plains, Tennessee, in Robertson County.Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

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