Beloved country music legend known by millions of fans as Little Jimmy Dickens died Friday at a Nashville area hospital, according to the Grand Ole Opry.
He was 94.
Dickens, who was born James Cecil Dickens, suffered a stroke on Christmas Day and died Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest, the Opry reported on its website.
According to the Opry, Dickens was its longest running member, joining the historic music show in 1948.
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His last performance at the venue was on Dec. 20, 2014, when he sang “Out Behind The Barn,” according to the Opry.
Country singer Brad Paisley tweeted about the impact Dickens had on his life and career.
As the sun sets on this planet tonight, for the first time in 94 years it is without my hero, (cont) http://t.co/dHpFa00ZE5
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) January 3, 2015