One of country music's most beloved voices is in a critical battle, and his family is asking for the one thing that no doctor can prescribe - prayer.
Bill Cody, a Country Radio Hall of Famer and one of the most familiar voices in country music broadcasting with more than three decades as the host of WSM Radio's morning show Coffee, Country and Cody, is in critical condition as he awaits a double heart and kidney transplant.
What his daughter shared
His daughter Hannah broke the news in a deeply personal Instagram statement, writing: "Friends. Prayer warriors. I believe in the power of prayer and my daddy needs prayers. A little over three weeks ago he was admitted to the ICU in heart failure and kidney failure."
After weeks of dialysis, medications, and testing - with steps forward and steps back - doctors determined that a double transplant of both his heart and kidney is his only option for survival. Cody passed the necessary tests to qualify for the transplant list, bringing a brief window of hope to the family.
But the situation then took a more serious turn. His heart's ability to pump blood declined sharply, prompting doctors to intubate him and place him on ECMO - a machine that performs the heart's job for him.
Hannah closed her statement with words that resonate deeply with the faith community: "We need a miracle and we know God is able. Please, if you're able, stop and pray for these things. Our family can't thank you enough. We love you all."
A legacy worth praying for
Cody joined WSM-AM Nashville in 1994 and became closely associated with both the station and the Grand Ole Opry. Over the years he hosted WSM's morning show, interviewed major figures in country music and public life, and served as a prominent ambassador for the station's heritage.
Among the highlights of his career, he hosted coverage of WSM's 75th anniversary celebration from the Ryman Auditorium, where he interviewed then-President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush.
An outpouring of support came from across the country music community, with Dierks Bentley writing "We love you Bill and are praying for you pal," and The War and Treaty sharing "Praying so hard for Bill Cody and his family and the entire WSM Radio family."
Today, Bill Cody's family is standing on the promise that prayer works - and inviting the whole world to stand with them.
Please keep Bill Cody and his family in your prayers.
