Little Jimmy Dickens, Country Legend and Grand Ole Opry Member, Dead at 94: Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley & More Pay Tribute

"It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my hero and friend today. I loved you Jimmy," Paisley tweeted

Country music has lost an icon.

James Cecil Dickens died in a Nashville area hospital on Friday. He was 94.

Dickens, who stood at 4 feet and 11 inches and was known to Grand Ole Opry fans as Little Jimmy Dickens, died of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Mona Dickens, and two daughters, Pamela Detert and Lisa King.

Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948 and was the longest running member. His last performance was on Dec. 20, one day after his 94th birthday, where he sang "Out Behind The Barn."

"The Grand Ole Opry did not have a better friend than Little Jimmy Dickens," Pete Fisher, Opry Vice President & General Manager, said in a statement.  "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."ft;">A public visitation and service are reportedly being planned, however, for the time being, a number of celebs have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the fallen star: