Voice of The Grand Ole Opry dead at 67, had ‘deep love for country music’

The country music community is mourning the loss of a broadcasting titan. Bill Cody, the legendary voice of the Grand Ole Opry, has passed away at the age of 67.

A Voice for the Ages

The news was shared by WSM Radio on Tuesday via a heartfelt Instagram tribute. For more than three decades, Cody served as a singular presence on WSM-AM in Nashville. Since joining the station in 1994—where his very first in-studio guest was the iconic Charlie Daniels—Cody transformed his morning show, Coffee, Country & Cody, into much more than a broadcast. He fostered a welcoming gathering place defined by his trademark smile, conversational warmth, and a genuine passion for both the artists and the fans.

A Lasting Legacy

Cody’s career saw him become synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he was a frequent host and a staple for Opry Country Classics. His influence stretched far beyond Nashville through television and syndicated radio. His lifelong dedication to the craft, which began as a young boy working alongside his father at a small Kentucky station, earned him a spot in the Country Radio Hall of Fame and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. He was also slated for a posthumous induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.

The Road to the End

In the weeks leading up to his passing, Cody faced a difficult medical battle. His daughter, Hannah, had previously shared updates via WSM's Instagram account, detailing how he was admitted to the ICU with heart and kidney failure. After weeks of intensive care, including being placed on ECMO and undergoing various treatments, his family had shared the news that he had successfully qualified for a double transplant. 205focus.com will continue to monitor updates as the country music world honors the memory of this broadcasting giant.