'Little' Jimmy Dickens hospitalized in Nashville

Veteran country star Jimmy Dickens, who turned 94 on Dec. 19, is in a Nashville area hospital.

The Grand Ole Opry icon was admitted on Christmas Day with an undisclosed illness, Opry reps Schmidt Relations say in a statement. He is in "critical care."

Dickens' wife, family, and the Opry are requesting prayers from his friends and fans. Cards and well wishes can be sent to him at the Opry:

Jimmy Dickens

c/o Grand Ole Opry House
2804 Opryland Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214

Dickens, shown here in November, last performed at the Opry on Dec. 20 as part of his 94th birthday celebration.

Born James Cecil Dickens, the singer carved out his fame with novelty songs (I'm Little but I'm Loud), his 4-foot-11 frame and his glitzy country stage outfits.

Dickens became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1948 and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983.

Among his enduring classics are Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait), Country Boy, Out Behind The Barn, and (one of the best titles we've ever heard) May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.