Entertainment Reporter Jimmy Carter Died at 73

The veteran Nashville journalist spent 21 years covering the local entertainment scene for WSMV Channel 4.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Country

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a stark microphone silhouette against a stylized Nashville skyline, reflecting the passing of a veteran journalist.
Long-time Nashville entertainment reporter Jimmy Carter, a fixture of WSMV Channel 4 for 21 years, has died at age 73. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jimmy Carter, a long-time fixture of the Nashville media landscape, passed away on October 13, 2026, at age 73. His death was announced by WSM Radio and his granddaughter.

Why it matters

Carter was a recognizable voice and face in Nashville for decades, known for his work on WSMV Channel 4 and the radio program Coffee, Country & Cody.

Carter accumulated over 41,000 followers on Facebook and served a combined 21 years at WSMV Channel 4. His tenure included six years in the 1980s and another 15-year stretch from 2003 to 2018.

The players

Jimmy Carter

He was a veteran entertainment reporter who spent 21 total years at WSMV Channel 4.

The details

Throughout his career, Carter became a staple of Nashville entertainment coverage by reporting on the local industry and contributing to the popular radio show Coffee, Country & Cody.

Timeline

  1. During the 1980s, Carter worked for Channel 4 for six years.

  2. From 2003 to 2018, Carter worked at Channel 4 for 15 years.

  3. Jimmy Carter died on October 13, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

Carter's career represents a classic era of Nashville local broadcasting, reflecting the transition of legacy media personalities into the modern digital social sphere. This shift highlights how long-tenured regional reporters built deep community engagement that remains relevant in current digital metrics.

Followers who tracked his career through WSMV Channel 4 or the Coffee, Country & Cody radio show can no longer expect new contributions from the reporter. His digital presence on Facebook serves as a preserved archive of his years covering Nashville entertainment.

The takeaway

Carter left a significant imprint on Nashville media through his long-standing reporting on the country music scene. His career serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between local journalists and their dedicated viewing audiences.

Further reading

Learn more about the local industry by visiting the Nashville Country section.