Brad Paisley to lead Opry 100 Honors for Little Jimmy Dickens

Paisley celebrates 25 years as Opry member with tribute to late country legend

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Country music star Brad Paisley is planning a special tribute to his friend and mentor, the late Grand Ole Opry legend Little Jimmy Dickens, as part of the Opry's 100th anniversary celebrations. Paisley, who was inducted into the Opry cast 25 years ago by Dickens, will lead the March 21 event featuring performances by Bill Anderson, The Gatlin Brothers, Trace Adkins, The Oak Ridge Boys, and 49 Winchester.

Why it matters

Little Jimmy Dickens was a beloved and influential figure in country music, known for his comic hits and longtime association with the Grand Ole Opry. Paisley's tribute will honor Dickens' legacy and the Opry's storied history as it celebrates its centennial year.

The details

Paisley was officially inducted into the Opry cast on February 17, 2001, after being invited by Dickens. The March 21 event will feature performances from several other Opry members and country music stars paying tribute to Dickens, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 94. Dickens was known for hits like "Take an Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait)", "A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed", and "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose", and also appeared in Paisley's music videos.

  • Paisley was inducted into the Opry cast on February 17, 2001.
  • The Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event is scheduled for March 21, 2026.

The players

Brad Paisley

A country music star who is celebrating his 25th anniversary as an Opry member and is leading the tribute to his friend and mentor, Little Jimmy Dickens.

Little Jimmy Dickens

A legendary country music performer and longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, known for his comic hits and mentorship of younger artists like Brad Paisley. Dickens passed away in 2015 at the age of 94.

Bill Anderson

A country music singer and songwriter who will be performing at the Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event.

The Gatlin Brothers

A country music vocal group that will be performing at the Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event.

Trace Adkins

A country music singer who will be performing at the Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event.

The Oak Ridge Boys

A country music vocal group that will be performing at the Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event.

49 Winchester

A country music band that will be performing at the Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event.

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What’s next

The Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens event is scheduled for March 21, 2026, where Brad Paisley and other country music stars will pay tribute to the late legend.

The takeaway

Brad Paisley's tribute to his mentor and friend Little Jimmy Dickens at the Opry's 100th anniversary celebrations will honor the legacy of a country music icon and the enduring importance of the Grand Ole Opry in the genre's history.