Legendary Country Music Radio Host Bill Cody Posthumously Honored With 2026 CMA Media Achievement Award
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CMA Awards Bill Cody With Media Achievement Award
Legendary country music radio host and announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, Bill Cody, died on June 9th, 2026 at the age of 67.
His death followed a period of declining health, as he had reportedly been battling an illness that recently took a turn for the worse.
WSM Radio announced his death at the time, sharing that he would “be remembered for his kindness, humility, and genuine gift for connection. He was a trusted voice, a generous friend, and a constant companion to generations of listeners.”
Cody was a beloved radio personality who became part of the Grand Ole Opry and WSM Radio in 1994. After 30 years behind the microphone, he was honored with a special anniversary celebration at the Opry on April 25, 2024.
Beyond celebrating his 30-year milestone with WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry, Cody received another major honor in 2024 when he was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.
He was recognized not only for his longtime contributions as an Opry announcer and host, but his work on WSM Radio’s popular morning show, Coffee, Country & Cody, which he hosted for more than 30 years.
The Grand Ole Opry Remembers CMA Awards History
On Sunday (Nov. 8), the Grand Old Opry celebrated a very special night, just ahead of this year’s CMA Awards.
For three decades, the Opry House served as the home of the CMA Awards, hosting the show from 1974 through 2004. During that time, the iconic Nashville venue welcomed some of the genre’s biggest stars as they gathered to celebrate country music’s greatest achievements.
The Opry stage witnessed countless memorable moments, including historic wins and performances. Vince Gill hosted the ceremony 12 times during that era, before it eventually moved to New York City for one year before moving back to Nashville.
In honor of Cody’s tremendous impact and contribution to country music, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern announced that he would posthumously be awarded the CMA Media Achievement Award.
In an incredibly emotional moment, Cody’s wife and daughter took the Opry stage to accept the award on his behalf.
“Although his contributions to country music over his fifty plus year career are expansive and they are something that we are so proud of, his contributions to improving the lives of the people around him are even greater,” Cody’s daughter said while accepting the award.
According to CMA’s website, the award “was established to recognize outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music.”
Those eligible for this award include print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers and producers, television bookers, and syndicated radio reporters. Previous winners must wait five years after receiving the award before they can be nominated again.
Rest in peace, Bill Cody. Your legacy will always be remembered.
