Funeral Arrangements For Grand Ole Opry Host Bill Cody Announced
on Jun 12, 2026 • Updated Jun 12, 2026
The country music community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, Bill Cody.
On May 31, Bill’s daughter, Hannah Davis, shared that he was in desperate need of prayers. He had been admitted to the ICU due to heart and kidney failure, prompting the need for a heart and kidney transplant.
Although Bill passed the tests needed to be placed on the donor list, his health entered “a downward spiral.” He died on June 9th at the age of 67.
As an announcer at the Grand Ole Opry and a host on WSM Radio for over 30 years, Bill had many friends in the industry. Following his passing, a flood of tributes poured in from artists such as Dierks Bentley, Carly Pearce, Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, and more.
Now, Bill Cody’s funeral arrangements have been revealed. WKRN, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, reported that his visitation and funeral service will be held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Monday, June 15. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery.
These details were confirmed in Bill’s obituary, which was published by Sumner Funeral & Cremation. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM in the Circle Room of the Opry House and lasts until 1:30 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.
A press release from WSM states the funeral service will be broadcast live on WSM Radio 650 AM. Additionally, the service will be streamed on WSM’s Facebook page.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations may be made to Hope Center Ministries in Portland, Tennessee.
“His biggest accomplishments were not made on a stage in the public eye,” Bill’s obituary reads. “He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. And most importantly, he loved the Lord and was never afraid to share his faith with others.”
Grand Ole Opry To Host Tribute Show In Bill Cody’s Honor
In addition to holding Bill Cody’s funeral, the Grand Ole Opry House has plans to host a program in his honor.
After Bill passed away, the Opry shared that Saturday night’s show (occurring on June 13) would be dedicated to Bill. The lineup features Charles Esten, Dailey & Vincent, Maisie Peters (making her Opry debut), The French Family, Payton Smith, T. Graham Brown, Riders in the Sky, the Opry Square Dancers, John Carter Cash, and Ana Cristina Cash.
Several of the above-mentioned artists paid tribute to Bill following his death. One of the most powerful tributes came from Charles Esten, who wrote:
“The very best of interviewers make you forget that you’re even being interviewed at all. Instead, almost instantly, you feel like all you’re doing is catching up with an old friend. That was the legendary and beloved Bill Cody to a T.”
See Charles’ entire tribute to Bill below. Our prayers go out to Bill’s family during this difficult time…
