Longtime Grand Ole Opry performer James Cecil Dickens aka Little Jimmy Dickens passed away in Nashville, Tennessee on January 2nd at 94-years-old. The iconic entertainer died of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day. He is survived by his wife, Mona Dickens, and two daughters, Pamela Detert and Lisa King.
While several of country’s brightest stars paid their respects to Dickens, Brad Paisley‘s thoughtful words stood out due to their sincerity. Paisley and Dickens were close friends and Dickens appeared in the popular crooner’s I’m Gonna Miss Her and Celebrity music videos.
Taking to his website, Paisley posted a message labeling Dickens as his hero and detailing why we all should strive to be like Little Jimmy Dickens.
“As the sun sets on this planet tonight, for the first time in 94 years it is without my hero, Little Jimmy Dickens.
Why was he my hero? Jimmy made more out of his time on earth than anyone I’ve ever known; an incredible life in every measurable way. Longevity? Yes, practically unheard of. Faith? Totally and wholeheartedly. Humor? There was no one funnier, or with a better sense of it. A true entertainer? The best I’ve ever seen. Charm? Unmatched. Love? This was a big one. I think he loved everyone he ever met, and if not, he never let it be known. More importantly, I think everyone who ever met him loved him instantly…and forever. Romance? He and Mona had the most romantic story I’ve ever heard. Check it out sometime. Friendship? Well I can honestly say he was the best friend any human being could ask for. Bar none.
Much will be said and written about his incredible and unique place in Country Music history. Which could fill a book. But that isn’t how I’ll remember him. I will remember the human being that best check-marked all the boxes of a complete and wonderful life. My hero.
Do not mourn Little Jim. Celebrate him. Relive and share the memories. Aspire to be like him. And above all, laugh at the punchlines, the craziness, and the way he so gracefully made this planet a funnier, better, richer place while he was alive. And in doing so, he will continue to for years to come.”
Well said, Brad.
