Country music legend dies in his sleep at 73. Here’s what we know

Alabama Life & CultureJimmy Carter died recently. Image by Simon Kühn from PixabayBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comNashville’s country music community is mourning the loss of longtime reporter and broadcaster Jimmy Carter.Carter, who spent years covering the entertainment beat for WSMV Channel 4 and WSM Radio, has died at the age of 73.WSM Radio confirmed the news Tuesday, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the veteran broadcaster on its Facebook page.“Today, we lost a dear friend and a cherished member of the WSM family,” the station wrote. “For many years, Jimmy Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody. A well-respected and well-loved figure in Nashville media for decades, Jimmy was a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners and colleagues.”The station praised Carter’s impact on country music coverage and his relationships throughout the industry.“We’ll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship,” the statement added. “Our hearts are with Jimmy’s family and loved ones. Jimmy Carter’s contributions to WSM, country music, and the Nashville media community will not be forgotten.”While he was not a performer himself, Carter became a fixture in Nashville through years of reporting on the country music world. WSMV Channel 4 said he spent 21 years covering red carpets and Music Row events for the station. He also worked for years on the nationally syndicated country television and radio show “Crook & Chase,” according to WSMV.Members of Carter’s family also paid tribute following his death.“We received the news today that my grandfather, Jimmy Carter, passed in his sleep,” granddaughter Kira Sparks wrote on Facebook.Sparks described Carter as someone who always put family first and never hesitated to help when needed.“He was someone who would drop everything on a dime to be there for his family,” she wrote. “It never mattered what the situation was, if you needed him, he was there like Superman.”She also remembered the small details that defined him, from his early mornings to his favorite breakfast runs.“He woke up every morning for the radio at 4 am,” Sparks wrote. “He didn’t like sleeping in. He would sneak out to get Hardee’s breakfast. And his hugs could heal something in you that you didn’t know needed healing.”According to Sparks, Carter found joy in making others happy and carried that approach throughout his life.“He didn’t care about the cost of happiness. He didn’t worry about the work. He just loved seeing his family happy,” she wrote. “He shared that happiness with the world, and he was someone who I will always respect for all his sacrifices. We all miss him.”Carter is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...