[Updated]: Grand Ole Opry Member Little Jimmy Dickens Dies

[UPDATE:] Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens passed away 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. A public visitation has been set for Jan. 7 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Woodlawn Roesch Patton in Nashville, while a public celebration of life has been set for Jan. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
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.”
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time however a public visitation and a public service are being planned.
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Original Story, Dec 31, 2014
Grand Ole Opry member Little Jimmy Dickens is improving, according to Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager Pete Fisher who visited the country star in the hospital yesterday.
“Each day brings noticeable improvements, and his doctors seem very pleased with the progress he is making. I, along with his family, are grateful to all for your thoughts and prayers,” Fisher says.
Dickens was admitted to a Nashville area hospital on Christmas Day in critical care due to an undisclosed illness. Dickens most recently performed on the Opry on Dec. 20, one day after turning 94.