Grand Ole Opry announcer and radio legend Bill Cody has passed away at age 67, following a devastating health battle. The media personality died on Tuesday, June 9, as announced by WSM Radio in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and beloved WSM voice, Bill Cody," they wrote, before sharing that he was "a singular presence on WSM-AM Nashville for more than three decades."
"Bill's voice also became synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he frequently served as host, including Opry Country Classics," the tribute continued. "His work extended across television and syndicated radio, bringing country music to audiences far beyond Nashville."
© Getty Images"More than his accolades, Bill will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and genuine gift for connection," the statement concluded. "He was a trusted voice, a generous friend, and a constant companion to generations of listeners."
WSM Radio added that they would honor the late star with a marathon of the best moments from his show, Coffee, Country & Cody. Additionally, the Grand Ole Opry will dedicate its live Saturday night broadcast to his memory.
Bill was born Trent Clutts in Huntsville, Alabama, and began his broadcasting career at age 17 when he answered an ad for a Kentucky radio station. He then changed his name to Bill Cody, in honor of Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the most famous figures of the Old West.
© Getty ImagesHe was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and received his star on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2024, after being a staple at WSM-AM since 1994. The 67-year-old's health declined quickly in recent months, as his daughter, Hannah Davis, shared on Facebook.
She revealed that he had been admitted to the ICU in May due to heart failure and kidney failure, and would need a transplant of both organs to survive. "We need a miracle, and we know God is able. Please, if you're able, stop and pray for these things. Our family can't thank you enough. We love you all," she wrote.
© FacebookAfter his passing on Tuesday, Hannah posted a poignant message farewelling her father. "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."
© Getty ImagesBill received an outpouring of condolences from some of country music's biggest stars, including Kelsea Ballerini, who wrote: "The kindest and most genuine soul. A love for everyone. What a loss. You will be missed by many, Bill."
© Rick DiamondDierks Bentley added: "Country Music has lost one of its pillars. Bill was just as important to the fabric of our music and city as any artist, songwriter or musician. No one loved Country Music, its history and its characters more than Bill Cody. Prayers to his family and Charlie and Kelly and everyone that knew and loved him at WSM and the Opry."
Garth Brooks declared: "There might be someone somewhere in the world who loved country music as much, but nobody loved country music more than Bill Cody."
