After weeks in ICU, family of longtime WSM Radio host Bill Cody calls for prayers as announcer needs double transplant ‘for survival’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The daughter of longtime WSM Radio host and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody is calling for prayers as the Hall-of-Famer has been in the ICU for weeks.
Cody’s daughter said that he’s been in the ICU for about three weeks, dealing with heart and kidney failure.
“After weeks of being on a roller coaster of emotions, tests, dialysis, medications, steps forwards and steps backwards, it was determined earlier this week that his only option for survival would be a double transplant, heart and kidney,” WSM Radio shared in an update from Cody’s daughter Hannah.
Bill Cody seen during the Grand Ole Opry performance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on Thursday, June 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)(Amy Harris | Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
She shared that Cody has passed all the necessary tests to qualify for the transplant list.
However, over the weekend, his heart strength and ability to pump blood took a turn for the worse, forcing the doctors to intubate Cody to put him on an ECMO machine.
Cody’s daughter is asking for prayers over the following:
- No stroke, blood clots or infections
- Next 48 hours ECMO gives his body time to rest in order for him to gain strength to remain in transplant qualification
- Transplant candidate found to get Cody on the list
“We need a miracle and we know God is able,” she said. “Please, if you’re able, stop and pray for these things. Our family can’t thank you enough. We love you all.”
Copyright 2026 WSMV. All rights reserved.
