Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens. Photo: Chris Hollo
Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens passed away this afternoon, Friday, January 2, 2015 at a Nashville area hospital at the age of 94. Dickens initially suffered a stroke on Christmas Day, and although he had shown some improvements since being admitted, he died today from cardiac arrest.
He is survived by his wife Mona Dickens, married since 1971, and two daughters, Pamela Detert and Lisa King.
“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.”
Dickens was the longest running member of the Opry and last performed at the Opry on Dec. 20, 2014. He has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1948, and became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. His hits include “Country Boy,” “Out Behind The Barn,” “May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” and others.
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.”
A public visitation has been set for Jan. 7 in Nashville, followed by a celebration of life event at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Jan. 8.
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