Nashville Mourns WSM Legend Jimmy Carter’s Passing At 73
on • Updated
Legendary country entertainment reporter Jimmy Carter has passed away.
WSM Radio confirmed his passing on Tuesday (October 13), writing, “Today, we lost a dear friend and cherished member of the WSM family. For many years, Jimmy Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody. A well-respected and well-loved figure in Nashville media for decades, Jimmy was a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners, and colleagues.”
The statement continued, “We’ll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship. Our hearts are with Jimmy’s family and loved ones. Jimmy Carter’s contributions to WSM, country music, and the Nashville media community will not be forgotten.”
Carter interviewed the likes of Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Costner, and so many more.
His daughter shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Jimmy Carter Began His Broadcasting Career At Age 15
Jimmy Carter built a remarkable career in broadcast journalism that spanned more than five decades, earning a reputation as a respected television producer, entertainment reporter, and interviewer. His broadcasting journey began when he was just 15 years old, when he started on-the-job training at his favorite rock radio station.
That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for radio and television, setting the stage for a career that would take him from local newsrooms to some of the biggest entertainment events in the world.
Carter eventually brought his broadcasting expertise to Nashville, where he became an executive producer at WSMV Channel 4. He worked on The Scene at Six, a highly acclaimed newscast that earned recognition for its outstanding journalism. His work as a producer earned him an Emmy, and his contributions to broadcast journalism were associated with some of the industry’s most prestigious honors, including the duPont-Columbia Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. His career also included producing work at a CBS television station in Houston, where he covered a wide range of stories, from NASA to major airline crashes and Texas politics.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Carter became a familiar face to Nashville viewers as WSMV’s longtime entertainment reporter. Across two stints at the station, he spent a combined 21 years covering red carpets, award shows, movie premieres, major music events, and happenings throughout Music Row. His extensive experience and connections made him a trusted voice in Nashville’s entertainment community.
Carter’s work extended beyond WSMV, covering events from the Academy Awards in Hollywood to film premieres in London. Whether he was producing award-winning news programs or interviewing legendary performers, Carter devoted his career to telling stories and connecting audiences with the people behind the headlines.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.
