Grand Ole Opry legend Little Jimmy Dickens has died. The country singer was hospitalized for a stroke on Dec. 25, six days after turning 94. Dickens performed right up until the end of his life, gracing the Opry stage on Dec. 20 for a big birthday bash. As Rolling Stone Country points out, the singer was best known for comedic tunes like "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Take an Old Cold Tater (and Wait)."
Dickens started out as a radio host in West Virginia before signing a deal with Columbia Records in the late 1940s. He performed shows for the troops during Vietnam and even became the first country act to tour around the world in 1964. His hits included "Country Boy," "My Heart's Bouquet" and "Hillbilly Fever."
In recent years, Dickens would show up to the CMAs for hilarious skits with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, who opened for the singer when he was an up-and-comer.
"It's like losing a best friend," Nancy Jones, wife of George Jones, told RSC. "He and George were so close. They would room together on the road. And Jimmy knew all the good, true stories about George. He'd tell me things even I didn't know."
Some of country's finest reacted to the news on Twitter.
I know why it's raining in Nashville. Little Jimmy is in heaven now making the Angels laugh so hard, they're crying. We'll miss you, friend!
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 3, 2015
Little Jimmy Dickens - the first person to greet us at the @opry for our first performance. Thanks for the memory. pic.twitter.com/ab3IdJaRmk — The Band Perry (@thebandperry) January 3, 2015
We know y'all are "pickin & grinnin" in Heaven tonight. RIP Little Jimmy Dickens. pic.twitter.com/6kKHRrQDYt
— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) January 3, 2015
Just got the word about Little Jimmy Dickens passing. I am deeply saddened. We have lost a precious treasure pic.twitter.com/Wm7PqGxwmV — Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) January 3, 2015
