Nashville rocked by loss of 2 country music legends days apart. Here’s the latest

Alabama Life & CultureNashville lost a pair of beloved figures in Rory Bourke and Jimmy Carter.Getty ImagesBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comCountry music has lost two more longtime members of its community, with the deaths of celebrated songwriter Rory Bourke and veteran Nashville broadcaster Jimmy Carter coming within days of each other.The losses continue a difficult year for the genre. More than 30 country performers and other notable figures have died in 2026.Here’s a look at the two men and the legacies they leave behind:Rory BourkeCountry music fans may not have known Rory Bourke’s name as well as the stars who performed his songs, but his work was heard through some of the genre’s biggest voices.Bourke, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, died Oct. 10. He was 84.His death prompted tributes from fellow members of the songwriting community.“We just lost another legend and I was honored to call him friend,” Greg Friia wrote on Facebook. “Rory you were amazing every time we played.”Friia recalled a Franklin performance in which Bourke sang “Most Beautiful Girl in The World” and had the audience singing along.Songwriter Jane Bach remembered Bourke for the impact he had on her own career.“RIP Rory Bourke,” Bach wrote on Facebook. “I met Rory in 1985, when I got signed to Chappell Music. He was an amazing mentor and I loved writing with him. I learned the craft of songwriting from him and will always treasure the kindness.”Bourke helped write Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl” alongside Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson. The 1973 hit climbed to No. 1 on both the country and pop charts.His extensive catalog also reached some of music’s most recognizable performers. Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, George Strait and K.T. Oslin were among the artists who recorded songs Bourke wrote.His credits included Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love” and Oslin’s “Come Next Monday.”Bourke’s songwriting success earned him three ASCAP “Writer of the Year” honors as well as three Grammy nominations for Best Country Song.Jimmy CarterNashville suffered another loss days later with the death of longtime country music reporter Jimmy Carter.Carter, who spent decades working in radio and television and covering Nashville’s entertainment scene, died at 73.WSM Radio announced his death Tuesday and remembered Carter as both a veteran broadcaster and an important member of the country music community.“Today, we lost a dear friend and a cherished member of the WSM family,” the station wrote on Facebook. “For many years, Jimmy Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody.”WSM described Carter as “a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners and colleagues.”“We’ll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship,” the station 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.”Carter also had a lengthy career with WSMV Channel 4. The station said he spent 21 years covering red carpets and Music Row events. He also worked for years with the nationally syndicated country radio and television show “Crook & Chase,” according to WSMV.His granddaughter, Kira Sparks, announced on Facebook that Carter died in his sleep and remembered him as a grandfather who made his family a priority.“He was someone who would drop everything on a dime to be there for his family,” Sparks wrote. “It never mattered what the situation was, if you needed him, he was there like Superman.”Sparks also offered a glimpse into Carter’s life away from the spotlight.“He woke up every morning for the radio at 4 am,” she 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.”She said Carter cared deeply about making his family happy and that his positive spirit also extended to the people who knew him through his work.“He shared that happiness with the world, and he was someone who I will always respect for all his sacrifices,” Sparks wrote. “We all miss him.”Carter leaves behind 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...