Grand Ole Opry’s Little Jimmy Dickens, 94, Hospitalized with an Undisclosed Illness

Little Jimmy Dickens — an American country music singer of Grand Ole Opry fame — has been hospitalized after suffering from an undisclosed illness, according to a publicist for the Opry.

Jimmy, 94, was admitted to a Nashville-area hospital on Thursday, Dec. 25 and is in "critical care," publicist Jessie Schmidt revealed in a news release on Sunday, Dec. 28.

His wife, family and the Opry are requesting prayers from his friends and fans around the world, the press release stated.

Jimmy in November 2013.

The star's last performance at the Opry was on Dec. 20 as part of his recent birthday celebration.

Jimmy first rose to prominence in the country music scene in the late 1940s with his hits 'Country Boy,' 'A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed' and 'May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.'

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In 1948, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. In March 2009 he became the oldest living member of the Opry at age 90.

Leading up to his recent hospitalization, the country music icon continued to make regular appearances as a host at the Opry and made a memorable appearance during the 2011 Country Music Awards where he poked fun at pop star Justin Bieber.

Jimmy dressed as Justin Bieber alongside Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood at the Country Music Awards in 2011.