Community Mourns The Loss Of Bill Cody

Bill Cody

Yesterday (June 9), WSM announcer Bill Cody passed away at 67.

Cody’s distinctive voice has resonated across international airwaves for more than five decades. For over 30 years, he served as host of WSM Radio’s flagship morning program, Coffee, Country & Cody, and became especially renowned for his longtime role as announcer and host of the Grand Ole Opry.

Inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008, Cody has earned multiple nominations from the CMA, ACM and Billboard. In 2024, he was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame Park. He will also be posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame later this year.

Below are numerous social media posts and statements made to Cody in his honor.

“So sad to hear the news of the passing of my friend Bill Cody. He had an amazing gift of making you feel comfortable and right at home from the minute you walked into the studio. Im so glad we got to spend a little time together in February. Rest easy pal.” – Aaron Tippin

“Bill Cody was a wonderful man and a dear friend for over forty years. I hope they have meat ‘n threes in heaven! Rest in peace, my friend, and we’ll have lunch again one of these days!” – Bill Anderson

“Bill Cody devoted his life to telling the story of country music. With a legacy spanning decades, he will be marked as one of the greatest of all time. For me, he was so much more than that. He was my friend. He will be so very missed on this side of heaven, but I rejoice knowing he is with our Heavenly Father.” – Carly Pearce

“From superstar artists to coworkers to a listener he was meeting for the very first time, Bill Cody was a friend to us all. His passion, knowledge, and love of country music were unrivaled. A true icon in our business, it has been the privilege of a lifetime to share the microphone with him and call him a friend.” – Charlie Mattos, co-host/producer/WSM-AM, Coffee, Country & Cody

“Bill was an incredible spokesperson for country music and the Grand Ole Opry.  Bill was also my friend, and we shared so many special moments together as we expanded the reach of both the Grand Ole Opry and WSM. His legacy will live on forever.” – Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of the Board – Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

“Bill Cody was such a beautiful soul, his passing leaves us reflecting on how much we really loved him. Prayers for his family.” – David and Howard Bellamy, The Bellamy Brothers

“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.” – Dierks Bentley

“There might be someone somewhere in the world who loved Country Music as much, but nobody loved Country Music more than Bill Cody.” – Garth Brooks

“I first met Bill Cody in San Antonio, back in the 60’s when he was a DJ and I was an auto body man, playing music on weekends!  He was good enough to play my record (on an indie label) and give me a shot. We became good friends and I learned he was one of the Good Ones! The music business and I have lost one of the best friends we ever had but his legacy will live on in the music he made sure was heard around the world.” – Gene Watson

“I was 16 the first time I had the privilege of being of being guest on Coffee, Country and Cody.  Bill made me feel so special; as if I was a seasoned country music artist just hanging and sharing stories. It is a very big loss. He will always be an  integral part of the rich history that is country music including The Opry and the community of Nashville. Go rest high on that Mountain.” – Grace Humphries

“I will never forget getting to meet Bill Cody for the first time in the WSM studio. He had the warmest smile. Bill Cody was a true champion of artists. His joy was radiant. I’m very thankful to have known him, he will forever be such a pillar of this community.” – Gracee Shriver

“Bill Cody was kind to the core…always. He loved America and he genuinely loved all people. He is an icon in country music and he will be deeply missed.” – Karen Kingsbury

“Bill Cody and I instantly became friends 20 years ago and we became co-workers 5 years ago. I’ve watched him make artists feel at ease, comfort people who are hurting, champion new music and songwriters and simply fill up the room with joy. No one had a bigger laugh, a brighter smile or gave better hugs. I was so very lucky to have him as a mentor and a friend. We will always love you Bill.” – Kelly Sutton, co-host/WSM-AM, Coffee, Country & Cody

“Everyone at the Grand Ole Opry, in country music, in Nashville – and across the country – will remember Bill for his profound gravitas, his incredible voice, and his positive and infectious enthusiasm for country music. For those of us who were lucky enough to work with Bill as a colleague, he brightened every single day and changed our lives for the better. Bill will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Trent from Gravel Switch.” – Patrick Moore, CEO, Opry Entertainment Group

“Though I only met Bill Cody one time, it was clear how much he loved country music. His encouragement was truly appreciated, and I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him.” – Tori Rose

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Madison Hahnen

Madison Hahnen is Project Manager at MusicRow Magazine, where she helps carry out operational objectives and large-scale projects for the company. She also manages the company's subscriptions. Hahnen graduated from Bryant University in May of 2020 with a B.S. in Team & Project Management and a minor in communication studies. Prior to MusicRow, she held internship roles with Make Wake Artists and Song Suffragettes.

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