Little Jimmy to undergo radiation

Little Jimmy Dickens, who has been absent from his beloved Opry stage for most of 2013, is set to undergo 3 weeks of short-term radiation treatments for a pre-cancerous condition on his vocal chords beginning next week. The Opry member’s doctors expect him to make a full recovery. “I can’t begin to express my sincere gratitude for the thoughts and prayers that are being sent my way,” Dickens said. “My family and I appreciate the support, and I can’t wait to return home to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in one of my favorite rhinestone suits someday soon.” The country legend most recently surprised Opry audiences with an appearance on April 12. His most recent scheduled Opry appearance came on Dec. 22, 2012. Dickens, 92, 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 May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose. The Opry is inviting Dickens’ friends and fans to send cards and letters wishing the country music legend well. Correspondence should be sent to: Jimmy Dickens c/o Grand Ole Opry House 2804 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214