WSM Radio Names Host Of New Morning Show After Bill Cody’s Death
on Jul 30, 2026
Bill Cody, who served as a host on WSM Radio for over 30 years, died on June 9th at the age of 67. On top of hosting the fan-favorite Country, Coffee & Cody morning show on WSM Radio, Cody served as an announcer at the Grand Ole Opry.
After Cody passed away, WSM honored him with a marathon of standout moments from his decades behind the mic.
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Now, nearly two months after Cody’s death, WSM Radio has named the new host of its morning program. Grand Ole Opry announcer Kelly Sutton, who worked alongside Cody on Country, Coffee & Cody for the past five years, will step into the role.
Sutton’s radio show will have a different name. Fittingly titled The Kelly Sutton Show, her program will air on WSM Radio every weekday from 6 AM to 10 AM, starting on Monday, August 10th.
Music Row reports that fellow WSM personality and Opry host Charlie Mattos will serve as one of Sutton’s co-hosts, along with WSM Studio Director Annie Ney. Amber Anderson, another WSM personality who already works with Sutton on Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast, will also contribute to the program.
“I am truly honored to be entrusted with carrying on the incredible legacy of WSM Radio,” Sutton said in a statement quoted by Music Row. “Being part of Coffee, Country & Cody for the past five years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Bill Cody was so much more than a coworker—he was a dear friend, a mentor, and someone who helped shape both my career and my love for this audience.”
As she takes on this new role, Sutton will continue hosting her current syndicated radio show, Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton, as well as the Country Heat Weekly podcast.
WSM Radio Host Bill Cody Died After Suffering From Heart & Kidney Failure
On May 31st, Bill Cody’s daughter shared that he was in dire need of prayers. He had been admitted to the ICU after suffering from heart and kidney failure.
Cody passed all of the tests to qualify for the transplant list. However, his health entered “a downward spiral,” and he never recovered.
The country music community was devastated by the news of Cody’s death on June 9th. His longstanding position at WSM Radio and the Opry gave him the opportunity to meet and form friendships with dozens of artists, musicians, and other industry figures.
Kelly Sutton shared a tribute to Cody after his death. Her post contained a collection of photos they took together through the years, showcasing just how close they were.
“Our hearts are broken. I will always love you @billcodywsm,” Sutton wrote in the caption. Now she will continue to share her love for Cody through her new morning show on WSM Radio…
