Oldest Grand Ole Opry Star Dies

On Friday, Little Jimmy Dickens, a singer-songwriter and the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, passed away at age 94. Dickens, who stood 4-foot-11 and is remembered for his sense of humor, died at a Nashville-area hospital after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day. He had performed on the Opry almost continuously since 1948. He last performed on Dec. 20 as part of his birthday celebration, when he sang “Out Behind the Barn” and delivered his signature comedy. "The Grand Ole Opry did not have a better friend than Little Jimmy Dickens," Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager, told the AP. "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."