Longtime Ryman Hospitality Properties WSM-AM/Nashville morning host and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody died this afternoon (6/9) after a lengthy hospitalization for heart and kidney failure. He was 67. His daughter, Hannah Davis, shared on Facebook, "We will never be able to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and the sincere prayers over the last few weeks. We know God heard them and we feel a deep peace that one day we will understand why God chose to still take him." In its own post, WSM praised his "conversational ease, and unerring ability to make both artists and audiences feel at home," adding "In the days ahead, WSM will honor Bill with a special marathon of unforgettable moments from Coffee, Country & Cody, celebrating a legacy that will forever be part of our station and our community."

A 2008 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Cody began his radio career in 1971 at WLBN/Lebanon, KY. He went on to on-air positions at WVLK/Lexington, KY; WHAS/Louisville, KY; WCII/Louisville; WHOO/Orlando and KKYX/San Antonio, TX before joining WSM-AM in 1994. From 1996-2000 he was heard on WSM-FM/Nashville before returning to the AM. Cody's national presence included hosting Jones Radio Network's GAC's Classic Country Weekend With Bill Cody, GAC's Master Series and in emceeing Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame induction dinners. He will be posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame next month (CAT 6/5). No word yet on services.