Since news of Bill Cody's passing broke on June 9, the outpouring of love from across Nashville and the broader country music community has not stopped.
Early tributes from Steven Curtis Chapman, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, and the Grand Ole Opry. But as the hours passed, even more voices joined in remembering the man who spent more than three decades welcoming artists and listeners through the doors of WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Jason Crabb, the multiple Dove Award-winning Christian and Southern Gospel artist who performed on the Opry stage with Cody many times, posted a moving tribute on Facebook. "Bill brought us on the Opry stage many nights, and he always did it with that warmth and kindness that made you feel right at home," Crabb wrote. "He was one of a kind. I'm thankful I could truly call him a friend, and I'm sure going to miss him. Heaven gained a great man, and his shoes will never be filled down here. Please pray for his family and all who loved him."
Country singer Alana Springsteen shared a memory that captured the gift Cody had of making people feel at ease: "Bill Cody was the first person who made the Opry feel like home to me. He introduced me when I debuted and had a way of putting you at ease. I'll never forget his kindness, his encouragement, and the special moments I got to share with him. Rest easy, Bill."
Bryan White, who noted Cody's birth year in his tribute, reflected on decades of friendship: "He was one of the kindest people I've ever known - always encouraging, always gracious, and always making everyone around him feel welcome. His love for country music and the artists who made it will never be forgotten. Prayers for Bill, his family, and everyone who loved him. Heaven gained a good one today. Billy Cody 1958-2026."
Country artist Kelly Lang expressed her grief simply and from the heart: "My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Bill. You were such a wonderful friend to us. Thank you for being a huge part of one of the highlights of my life, and for being such a precious soul to everyone blessed to be in your presence. Our condolences go out to your precious family."
Wilson Fairchild, who credited Cody as the host of their first video special, wrote: "The voice of Country Music, Bill Cody, has passed. We always enjoyed visiting with him on WSM Radio. He always had a story to tell and a smile to give. Rest easy, dear friend."
The Ricochet Band, posting from Nashville while listening to Alan Jackson's "I'll Fly Away," remembered Cody as a man of encyclopedic country music knowledge: "Such a great man with an encyclopedic knowledge of Country Music. He will be greatly missed."
The Malpass Brothers called Cody "a huge ambassador for country music" and asked for prayers for his family, saying he was always kind to them.
Perhaps one of the most personal tributes came from T. Graham Brown, who described Cody as one of his best friends. "I first met Bill in 1987 in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was emceeing a show with Ricky Skaggs and me," Brown wrote. "He became a member of the Country Radio Hall of Fame, Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, and recently the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. He was a true man of God and a quality human being. He's resting in the arms of Jesus and will be forever more."
WSM Radio, in its official statement, announced it will honor Cody with a special marathon of memorable moments from Coffee, Country & Cody in the days ahead, celebrating a legacy that will forever be part of the station and its community.
The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate this Saturday night's show to his memory. Bill Cody was 67.
Related Article: Bill Cody, Longtime WSM Radio Host and Grand Ole Opry Announcer, Dies at 67
