Jimmy Carter, Veteran Nashville Broadcaster and Reporter, Dies at 73

Jimmy Carter, a prominent fixture in Nashville media who spent decades covering country music and Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 73. His family confirmed that the veteran broadcaster died in his sleep on Tuesday, October 13, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. No medical cause of death has been publicly disclosed by his family.

His granddaughter, Kira Sparks, shared the news of his passing in a statement, noting that he leaves behind three daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Sparks remembered him not only for his professional dedication but also for his early mornings, his affection, and his devotion to his family. "We received the news today that my grandfather, Jimmy Carter, passed in his sleep," she wrote.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Carter built a career in journalism and broadcasting that spanned more than fifty years. Before moving to Nashville, he attended Auburn University, where he helped launch the campus radio station WEGL-FM. His early journalism career included street reporting on civil rights, hurricanes, and politics in Alabama, as well as working as a UPI award-winning news producer in Birmingham and executive producing in Houston.

In Nashville, Carter became a familiar voice and presence across television and radio. He spent a combined 21 years working as an entertainment reporter for WSMV Channel 4 across two separate stints. Beyond local television, he was a regular contributor to WSM Radio, frequently appearing on the morning show "Coffee, Country & Cody," and served as a correspondent for the nationally syndicated programs Crook & Chase.

Throughout his expansive career, Carter conducted interviews with numerous prominent figures in music and film. His subjects ranged from country music legends such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Alan Jackson to Hollywood stars including Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, and Kevin Costner. His reporting took him around the world, from international film premieres to the Academy Awards.

Carter's work earned widespread recognition, including regional Emmy awards and nominations, duPont-Columbia awards, an Edward R. Murrow award, and an IRIS award. Tributes poured in from former employers and colleagues following the announcement of his death. WSM Radio shared an emotional statement on social media, describing him as a trusted source, gifted broadcaster, and a dear friend to artists, listeners, and colleagues alike.

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for early November. A visitation will be held on November 5 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville, followed immediately by a funeral service.