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“The Dukes of Hazzard” star Ben Jones has died. He was 84.
The actor appeared as “good ol’ boy” mechanic Cooter Davenport in the beloved series from 1979 to 1985.
Jones had a “massive heart attack” at his home Sunday in Washington, Virginia, as he was waiting to watch his beloved Atlanta Braves play baseball, his wife, Alma Viator, said on social media. The couple had been married since 1992.
Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton also confirmed his death.
Ben Jones died at age 84 after a heart attack, according to his wife. (CBS via Getty Images)
Viator wrote on Facebook, “I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.”
“Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I love him so so much,” she finished off her post.
Viator shared the news along with an image of Ben holding a dog.
Jones was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina on August 30, 1941.
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Cast members from “The Dukes of Hazzard” pose for a group photo in Los Angeles on Jan. 1. Front row, from left: Rick Hurst, John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Tom Wopat and James Best, with basset hound Sandy. Back row, from left: Sorrell Booke, Denver Pyle and Ben Jones. (CBS via Getty Images)
He got his start on stage, before making his film debut in 1972 for “Together For Days” as Douglas. He also appeared in “Moonrunners” in 1975 as Fred and “The Lincoln Conspiracy” in 1977.
On the TV front, Jones made his television debut in 1976, playing a thief in an episode of “Movin’ On.”
He also appeared in the 1977 series “Nashville 99,” and “The Magical World of Disney” in 1978.
Jones landed the role of Cooter Davenport in “The Dukes of Hazzard” in the seventies.
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Ben Jones played Cooter Davenport on “Dukes of Hazzard.” (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
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He played Davenport for more than 140 episodes from 1979 to 1985.
He reprised his role as Davenport in “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” in 1997 and “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood” in 2000.
His final TV appearance was in “Surface” in 2005, and his final film he appeared in was the 2021 movie “Unbreakable.”
In addition to his acting career, Jones also had a political career.
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James Best as Rosco P. Coltrane, Rick Hurst as Deputy Cletus Hogg, Tom Wopat as Luke Duke, Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke, John Schneider as Bo Duke and Ben Jones as Cooter Davenport pose together in the made-for-television movie ‘The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!’ air date April 25, 1997. (CBS via Getty Images)
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Jones served two terms in the House of Representatives.
He served as a U.S. House of Representatives member from Georgia’s fourth district from 1989 until 1993.
Jones’ “Dukes of Hazzard” co-star Tom Wopat shared a statement to Fox News Digital, and also shared it on his Instagram on Sunday.
The Dukes of Hazzard” cast members Tom Wopat with co-stars Catherine Bach and John Schneider in 1981. (CBS via Getty Images)
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Wopat, who played Lucas K. “Luke” Duke, said: “’The Dukes of Hazzard’ lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed… Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, ‘I’m not your Uncle Jesse!’ But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today.”
Whey Jennings, grandson of country music legend Waylon Jennings, is also grieving the loss of his dear friend and musical supporter. The two shared the stage on multiple occasions, but their bond extended well beyond performing together. Jones also helped finance Jennings’ first recorded live album, playing a meaningful role in the singer-songwriter’s career.
Whey Jennings (right), Waylon Jennings’ grandson, is seen here with Ben Jones (center) and his wife Alma Viator. (Courtesy of Whey Jennings)
“Wow, this one hurts,” Jennings told Fox News Digital. “I’ll never forget all you have done for me, brother. It’s been an honor to share the stage with you so many times. Thank you for believing in me. You have been a true friend when I needed one most, and I’m gonna miss you so much. I love you, Ben. Alma, I love you very much. Big hugs and prayers.”
The show and Cooter lived on because it was funny, had plenty of action and car chases and had a good, family-friendly heart, Jones previously told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2001.
“The show reflects the values of the heartland of America. The good guys always win,” Jones said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
