Jimmy Carter, Veteran Country Music & Entertainment Reporter, Dies at 73

Jimmy Carter, the longtime Nashville entertainment reporter known for interviewing country music stars and Hollywood celebrities, died on October 13, 2026, at age 73. His family confirmed to WSMV-TV that he died in his sleep. He would have turned 74 on October 15.

This Jimmy Carter is not the former U.S. president, who died in December 2024. He spent decades in television and radio, and his death has prompted tributes from former colleagues and Nashville’s music community.

Jimmy Carter at a Glance

Detail	Information
Name	Jimmy Carter
Age	73
Date of death	October 13, 2026
Born	October 15, 1952, in Montgomery, Alabama
Best known for	WSMV-TV entertainment reporting
WSMV tenure	21 years across two periods
Other work	WSM Radio and Crook & Chase

Who Was Jimmy Carter, the Nashville Entertainment Reporter?

Carter was a Nashville-based journalist who covered country music, celebrity interviews, award shows and major entertainment events. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he developed an interest in broadcasting as a teenager, and he later built a career in reporting, television production and entertainment journalism. That behind-the-scenes experience helped him understand both how a story was produced and how audiences watched it.

Over the years, he interviewed country stars such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, as well as Hollywood actors including Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Costner. His assignments also took him beyond Nashville, from the Academy Awards in Hollywood to movie premieres in London.

How Long Did Jimmy Carter Work at WSMV-TV?

Carter spent 21 years at Nashville’s WSMV Channel 4. According to The Tennessean, he worked there for six years in the 1980s and then returned for another 15 years, from 2003 to 2018. During that time, he became a regular presence at red carpets, award ceremonies, music events and premieres, so local viewers could follow major entertainment figures without relying only on national broadcasts.

Former WSMV meteorologist Melanie Layden remembered him as a fixture of the station’s heyday. Former sports anchor Rudy Kalis praised his ability to interview major stars without being intimidated, and he also remembered Carter as a caring friend and family man. Carter left WSMV in 2018, but he kept sharing entertainment news and stayed connected to Nashville’s media community.

What Was Jimmy Carter’s Connection to Country Music?

Country music was central to his work. His reporting gave audiences a window into Nashville’s music industry, from celebrity interviews to important industry events. He also contributed to WSM Radio’s Coffee, Country & Cody, and after his death the station remembered his passion for country music, his memorable stories and his deep connections across the industry.

In addition, Carter worked as a correspondent for Crook & Chase, the country music and entertainment program hosted by Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase. That role extended his reach beyond local television and strengthened his ties to country audiences. His career sat at the crossroads of Nashville’s music scene and Hollywood entertainment, so his work appealed to viewers with very different interests.

Memorable Moments From His Career

On his personal website, Carter recalled interviewing Bob Hope early in his career and meeting Elvis Presley twice. He also described singing onstage with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits as a memorable experience. Together, these stories show how far his work extended beyond daily local news.

How Colleagues and Family Remembered Him

Tributes after his death highlighted his confidence, warmth and ability to build relationships. Former colleagues described a journalist who could approach famous performers professionally while staying approachable away from the camera. His granddaughter, Kira Sparks, also shared a personal tribute, according to The Tennessean, and her words appeared alongside messages from former co-workers and people in Nashville’s broadcasting community.

What Was Jimmy Carter’s Cause of Death?

His family confirmed that he died in his sleep on October 13, 2026. WSMV-TV reported his death, and The Tennessean covered it as well. However, no specific medical cause had been publicly announced in the reports available at the time of writing, so there is no verified basis for linking his death to any illness. Funeral and memorial details had also not been announced at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Jimmy Carter when he died?

He was 73. He died on October 13, 2026, two days before his 74th birthday, and was born on October 15, 1952, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Is this the same Jimmy Carter who was U.S. president?

No. This Jimmy Carter was a Nashville entertainment reporter. The former U.S. president of the same name died in December 2024.

What was Jimmy Carter famous for?

He was best known as a Nashville entertainment reporter who interviewed country music stars and Hollywood celebrities and covered red carpets, award shows and movie premieres.

Did Jimmy Carter work for WSMV-TV?

Yes. He worked at WSMV Channel 4 for 21 years across two periods, including a final stint from 2003 to 2018.

What was Jimmy Carter’s cause of death?

His family confirmed that he died in his sleep. A specific medical cause had not been publicly disclosed in the reports cited here.

Remembering Jimmy Carter

For decades, Carter brought country music and entertainment news to audiences through television and radio. His interviews with celebrated performers and his long association with WSMV made him a familiar figure in Nashville’s media landscape. The tributes that followed his death reflect the relationships he built along the way, and he will be remembered for his entertainment reporting, his commitment to broadcasting and his bond with the country music community.