Legendary Opry Announcer Bill Cody Dies At 67
on Jun 09, 2026
Bill Cody Dies At 67
Country music radio host and announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, Bill Cody, has died. He was 67.
WSM Radio announced his death on Tuesday (June 9), posting a beautiful tribute.
“He built more than a morning show; he created a gathering place rooted in his deep love for country music and the people behind it,” the post reads. “Bill’s voice also became synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he frequently served as host, including Opry Country Classics. His work extended across television and syndicated radio, bringing country music to audiences far beyond Nashville.”
His death followed a period of declining health as he was recently suffering from an illness that worsened.
“More than his accolades, Bill will 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,” WSM shared.
Remembering Country Music Host Bill Cody
Bill Cody was a legendary radio announcer who joined the Grand Ole Opry and WSM Radio in 1994. In recognition of his three decades on the air, the Opry honored Cody with a special 30th-anniversary celebration on April 25, 2024.
In addition to marking 30 years with WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry, Cody received one of Nashville’s highest honors in 2024 when he was awarded a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. The recognition celebrated his decades-long impact as an Opry announcer and host, along with his work leading WSM Radio’s beloved morning program, Coffee, Country & Cody, for more than three decades.
Earlier this month, his family asked fans for prayers regarding his declining health.
Hannah Davis, Bill’s daughter, revealed in a Facebook post that her father was admitted to the hospital due to heart failure and kidney failure three weeks ago.
They performed tests, prescribed medicine, tried dialysis, and determined that “his only option for survival would be a double transplant, heart and kidney.”
Davis updated his Opry family and fans that he passed all the tests to qualify him to be placed on the transplant list. However, on May 30, Bill had a setback.
“Last night, his heart strength and ability to pump blood took a downward spiral and we got a call from his doctor early this morning that they were having to intubate him to put him on ECMO (a machine that does the hearts job for him),” she wrote at the time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill Cody’s family during this unimaginable time.
