Grand Ole Opry star, "Little Jimmy" Dickens, died on Friday at the age of 94 due to cardiac arrest. He suffered a stroke on Christmas and was brought in a Nashville area hospital.

He was the longest running-cast member of country music's most respected venue.

Dickens shares his humble beginnings from appearing on air in his home state of Virginia. He started hosting radio shows in several locales.

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The late Roy Acuff, one of the greatest stars in the Opry, heard his performance on air in 1947. Dickens was brought to attention of the Grand Ole Opry and Columbia Records.

Dickens, stood at 4 feet and 11 inches, joined the Opry in 1948. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1983 and served as an inspiration to other rising country stars such as Carrie Underwood.

He also ventured into rockabilly when it became famous in the 1950's. He is known for the songs, "Salty Boogie", "Blackeyed Joe's" and "I've Got A Hole In My Pocket."

According to Opry spokeswoman Jessie Schmidt, his last performance was on December 20, after his 94^th birthday.

"I look forward to one weekend to another to get back out on stage of the Grand Ole Opry and try to entertain people who have become miles  and miles and state to state to be entertained with Country music." He answered in a recent interview.

He was also best known for the novelty songs, "I've Got To See You Once More" and "My Heart's Bouquet" which overestimated his country balladeer skills.

Dickens is survived by his wife Mona and two daughters. Opry has released a statement that there will be public visitation and public service.

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