Jimmy Carter, a Nashville-based entertainment reporter for decades, died Oct. 13, a former employer, WSM Radio, and his granddaughter Kira Sparks posted on Facebook. He was 73.
Carter was best known for his 21 years on red carpets and at other Music Row functions as WSMV Channel 4's entertainment reporter. He worked for Channel 4 for six years in the 1980s and for 15 years between 2003 and 2018, according to his website, AskJimmyCarter.com.
"So sad to hear the news that my friend and our beloved WSMV entertainment reporter Jimmy Carter has died," Channel 4 meteorologist Melanie Layden posted on Facebook. "He was a fixture in the WSMV heyday covering red carpets, award shows, big music events and movie premieres."
Longtime former Channel 4 sports
anchor Rudy Kalis told The Tennessean:
"I absolutely admired Jimmy Carter because he wasn't intimidated by anyone, and yet he was able to endear himself to any of the biggest stars. But beyond that, he was a good, caring friend and a wonderful father and grandfather."
Carter also worked in Nashville radio for decades.
"For many years, Jimmy Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody," WSM Radio posted late Oct. 13 on Facebook.
"We'll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship. 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."
In recent years, Carter amassed more than 41,000 followers on Facebook, where he shared Nashville news and entertainment stories.Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies
