Grand Ole Opry star and Country Music Hall of Famer Little Jimmy Dickens passed away yesterday afternoon (Jan. 2) at a Nashville area hospital. He was 94.
Dickens died of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day. He is survived by his wife Mona Dickens, married since 1971, and two daughters, Pamela Detert and Lisa King.
Dickens was the longest running member of the Opry, joining in 1948. He last performed at the Opry on Dec. 20, 2014, singing "Out Behind The Barn" and delivering his trademark comedy.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, however a public visitation and a public service is being planned.
"The Grand Ole Opry did not have a better friend than Little Jimmy Dickens," shared Pete Fisher, Opry Vice President & General Manager. "He loved the audience and his Opry family, and all of us loved him back. He was a one-of-kind entertainer and a great soul whose spirit will live on for years to come."
In a recent quote, Jimmy expressed his love for the Opry. "I look forward from one weekend to another to get back out on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and try to entertain people who have come from miles and miles and state to state to be entertained with country music. We do our very, very best to give them a good presentation and hope that they enjoy themselves."
Jimmy was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Among his enduring classic songs are "Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait)," "Country Boy," "Out Behind The Barn," and "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose."
