Jimmy Carter, an Alabama native who became one of the nation's most recognizable entertainment journalists, has died.
He was 73.
Carter died Tuesday, Oct. 13, in his sleep, according to his family, who confirmed his death to Nashville television station WSMV-TV, where he spent more than two decades covering country music, Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Carter was especially well-known across the state and in West Alabama for his frequent appearances on local television news and radio broadcasts, where he regularly provided updates on the biggest headlines in the entertainment world.
Born Oct. 15, 1952, at St. Margaret's Hospital in Montgomery, Carter attended Auburn University, where he helped establish the campus radio station that became WEGL-FM.
According to his personal website, Carter developed an interest in broadcasting as a teenager, beginning on-the-job training at a rock radio station in 1968 at age 15. He later helped launch Auburn's radio station in April 1971 before moving into television production and reporting.
His early career included reporting on civil rights, hurricanes and Alabama politics, along with work as an award-winning television news producer at an NBC affiliate in Birmingham.
Carter eventually moved to Nashville, where he became a fixture in entertainment journalism, interviewing some of the biggest names in country music and Hollywood.
His reporting brought him face to face with stars including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Robert Redford, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Costner.
Carter spent a combined 21 years at WSMV, including six years during the 1980s and another 15 years from 2003 until 2018.
His work also extended beyond Nashville to major entertainment events around the world, including the Academy Awards in Hollywood and James Bond movie premieres in London.
Behind the camera, Carter served as an executive producer at WSMV and worked at a CBS television station in Houston.
His illustrious career included Emmy-winning production work and recognition associated with the prestigious duPont-Columbia and Edward R. Murrow awards.
In addition to his television career, Carter was a longtime presence on Nashville radio, including appearances on WSM Radio's "Coffee, Country & Cody."
During his later years, Carter continued sharing entertainment news and personal stories through social media and his Ask Jimmy Carter YouTube channel, which attracted millions of views.
Carter is survived by three daughters, Michelle, Sara and Mary Clarke, according to his personal biography, which also lists five grandchildren and a great-grandson.
A specific medical cause of death and funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced as of Wednesday morning.
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