Country stars including Chely Wright, Rodney Atkins and SARA EVANS have sent their best wishes to ailing music veteran Little Jimmy Dickens as he fights ill health in hospital.

The 94-year-old singer has been under the care of doctors since Christmas Day (25Dec14) and is believed to be in a critical condition at a hospital in Tennessee.

The news has sent a shock wave across the country music community and many stars have asked fans to pray for DICkens.

In a post on Twitter.com, Wright ‏writes, "My thoughts and prayers are with Little Jimmy DICkens and his wife Mona. He's one of the best there ever was" while Evans adds, "My heart goes out to Little Jimmy DICkens!!"

Atkins ‏offers, "Sending thoughts & prayers out to @LilJimDICkens (sic)," and The Devil Went Down to Georgia hitmaker Charlie Daniels adds, "One of my long time musical heroes and dear friend Little Jimmy DICkens is in intensive care. Would you join me in praying for him."