Brad Paisley Posts Touching Tribute to ‘Hero’ Little Jimmy Dickens

Country music fans all over the world are mourning the loss of Little Jimmy Dickens, who passed away on Jan. 2. But perhaps no one will feel the loss quite as profoundly as Brad Paisley, whose touchingly calls the Grand Ole Opry star his "hero" in a poignant Facebook post, written shortly after Dickens' death.

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.

Paisley and Dickens' friendship often played out in front of a live audience, as the two were known to perform comedy skits together on stage. Dickens also appeared in several of Paisley's videos, including 'I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing Song)' and 'Celebrity.'

Together, they also helped replace the wooden circle in the center of the Opry stage following the devastating flood in Nashville in 2010.

“The happiest hours I spend are right here on this stage on the Grand Ole Opry," Dickens said during that ceremony. "When I die, I want to die right out there in front of those microphones, with a full house, and me trying to make them laugh.That’s about as serious as I can be right now.”

The country music legend will sort of get his wish. A public celebration of life service will be held on Jan. 8 at the Grand Ole Opry at 11 AM CT.

Dickens was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 25. His last performance at the Opry was on Dec. 20, one day after his 94th birthday.

Little Jimmy Dickens Through the Years