Grand Ole Opry MC Bill Cody dies at 67, collaborated with Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini

Bill Cody dies at 67, remembered by country music stars

Out of nowhere, news came that Bill Cody passed away at sixty-seven. For years, he stood behind the mic at WSM Radio, voice steady through countless shows. Along the way, names such as Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini crossed his path in shared moments. Right now, voices from the country world rise—Carly Pearce, Randy Travis among them—remembering him loud and clear.
Heart trouble began back in May, then came the news from WSM Radio about Bill Cody’s death. Sharing this feels heavy for those who worked beside him. Not just a familiar sound through speakers—he was someone they called a friend. He wasn’t just a familiar sound at the station—his presence fit like an old rhythm. There, among wires and whispers, he had always seemed at home.
For thirty years, Bill Cody filled early hours on WSM-AM out of Nashville. Not loud anymore, but traces linger inside the Grand Ole Opry—places where he hosted show after show, including the well-loved Opry Country Classics—stuck in a single town? Maybe. But voices like his traveled through wires and screens into living rooms miles away. Wherever radios played, there he was.

Music traveled further because of him.

His Daughter Revealed Health Battle Before Radio Legend’s Death at 67

In May Hannah Davis shared on Facebook that her father was really sick. He was in the hospital with heart failure and kidney failure.

She said that it was a tough time for their family. Her father had a lot of tests and treatments, like dialysis and medications. Sometimes things would get a little better. Then they would get worse again. Hannah Davis spoke about her dad’s condition after medics concluded. A fresh start for his heart and kidneys seemed like the sole path forward. Hope feels fragile right now, she mentioned. Prayer would help carry them through, in her words. The thought of others reaching out in support mattered deeply. What folks choose to do quietly brings comfort, she added.
Back in Alabama, that guy made waves across country tunes. There are plans to honor him again after he is gone. He will be put into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2026, according to Variety.

Country Music Stars Pay Tribute to Bill Cody

There are online tributes to celebrities already. Kelsea Ballerini said, ‘Bill was the most genuine person. ‘ He loved everyone. What a loss. Many people will miss him.’

Randy Travis said Cody ‘will always be a part of country music.’ He added, ‘We are sending prayers of strength to his family as they say goodbye to their loved one… Thank you for sharing him with us for many years.’

Dierks Bentley wrote, ‘Country music has lost one of its important people. Bill was just as important to our music and city, as any artist or musician.

More Country Music Stars Honor Bill’s Legacy

Emily Ann Roberts said, “Bill Cody affected country music and the people who make it. Life feels different now that he is gone. So glad our paths crossed along the way
Carly Pearce said, ” We love you, Bill.
Yesterday felt special because we spent time together. It meant a lot to see your face again. Safe – that’s how you always made me feel. “Good friend” doesn’t even cover it. Glad our paths crossed when they did.

I love Bill Cody very much. I will miss Bill Cody for now. It makes me feel better to know that Bill Cody had a connection with Jesus and that I will see him again in a beautiful place with God.