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 anchor
Demetria Kalodimos said on Facebook she was "shocked and saddened" by Carter's death.
"He was a great journalist and natural broadcaster long before carving out a meaningful entertainment beat in Music City and beyond. He worked side by side with Dan Miller to create the legendary Miller and Co." Kalodimos posted.
"And he never hung up the mic. He continued to feed radio stations and TV stations nationwide after leaving the weekly grind on Knob Hill. He was a great lover of people, a fluid and funny communicator and an all-around great guy. My prayers and hugs go out to his family, his daughters and grandkids. Carter...you broke the mold."
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."
Jimmy Carter's granddaughter says 'He was there like Superman'
To that end, Carter's granddaughter Sparks posted:
"He was someone who would drop everything on a dime to be there for his family. It never mattered what the situation was, if you needed him, he was there like Superman.
"He hated seeing any of us cry and always said that the worst thing you can do is focus on what makes you sad," Sparks wrote, "so instead of that, Iām going to focus on all our memories."
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."
Carter also served as a correspondent for years for nationally syndicated country radio and TV shows Crook & Chase.
In recent years, Carter amassed more than 41,000 followers on Facebook, where he shared Nashville news and entertainment stories. Carter's YouTube channel had nearly 22,000 subscribers.
On his website, Carter identified his career highlights as interviewing Bob Hope, his first celebrity interview, meeting Elvis Presley twice, taking a bath in Presley's Memphis home, Graceland, and singing on stage with Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Carter, longtime country music reporter in Nashville, dies at 73
