Little Jimmy Dickens, the diminutive star of the Grand Ole Opry, is being mourned here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Village of Chatham resident Margo Smith met Dickens in the 1970s at the Opry.
“He was a true gentleman and a great performer,” said Smith, who was also a regular on the Opry stage
Dickens died Friday of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day.
Dickens who stood at 4 feet, 11 inches, had performed on the Opry since 1948. He last stood on the Opry stage on Dec. 20 as part of his birthday celebration.
Dickens had also performed on the stage of the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, as recently as 2009.
He enjoyed the famed cooking of the late Estelle Benson, who presided over the Orange Blossom Opry for years.
Dickens was best known for his bedazzled outfits, which he’s credited with introducing to country music in 1950; self-deprecating humor; and novelty songs, including his biggest hit “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.” The tune not only earned him a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983, but crossed over to the pop charts.
Around Nashville, Tenn. Dickens enjoyed an everyman status, mowing his own lawn. He was known for putting up a huge Christmas lights display at his home.
“You could see those lights for miles, “Smith said.
Born James Cecil Dickens in Bolt, W. Va. he began his career singing on the station in Beckley, W. Va.
He is survived by his wife, Mona, and two daughters.
