Ben Jones, Actor and Ex-congressman, Passes Away at 84
WHO:
WYMT - Jones was made an official ‘Duke of Hazard’ during the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard in 2003.
Variety - Ben Jones, actor turned politician, known for playing Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
TMZ - Alma Viator, wife of Ben Jones, announced his death.
WYMT - Jones served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993.
WHAT:
Variety - Ben Jones died from a heart attack.
WYMT - Jones was 84 years old at the time of his death.
WYMT - “The Dukes of Hazzard” ran for seven seasons on CBS, from 1979 to 1985.
WYMT - Jones appeared in all seasons of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
WYMT - Jones would have turned 85 later in August.
WYMT - A reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate his birthday alongside other cast members.
WHERE:
Variety - Jones lived in Luray, Virginia.
WYMT - Cooter’s Place, a themed museum and store, has locations in Nashville, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN, and Luray, VA.
WHEN:
WYMT - Another ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate, alongside other cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 on August 28.
WYMT - Another ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate, alongside other cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 August 28.
WYMT - Another ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate, alongside other cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 August 28.
Variety - Jones died on a Sunday.
WYMT - Jones was married to Alma Viator from 1992 until his passing.
WYMT - Jones appeared on “Issues and Answers” in the WYMT studio in 2015.
WHY:
CNN - Alma Viator stated, “Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much.”
US Magazine - Alma Viator stated, “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.”
WYMT - Jones's wife stated he died of a massive heart attack.
HOW:
CNN - Jones returned for 1997’s TV movie “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” and again in 2000 for “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.”
CNN - Jones served as a Democratic whip, was a member of the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and a member of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation during his time in Congress.
WYMT - Jones reflected on the popularity of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ during his second appearance on ‘Issues and Answers,’ stating, “They see Cooter and smile, or the car (the General Lee) or Daisy, they smile... our show made people happy and it didn’t matter what color they were or where they were from or what their politics were, it made people happy.”
WYMT - Jones often greeted fans and sang at Cooter’s Place with ‘Cooter’s Garage Band.’
WYMT - Jones and his wife coordinated many ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ fan and reunion events over the years.
(UPDATED August 10, 2026 14:19 UTC)
A reunion event for the beloved show "Dukes of Hazzard" is set to take place in Luray, featuring cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will celebrate his 91st birthday on August 28. Alma Viator expressed her deep affection for Ben, stating he had a rich and fulfilling life, and that he will be greatly missed. In addition to his acting career, Jones served as a Democratic whip and was involved with the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation during his time in Congress.
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(UPDATED August 10, 2026 13:20 UTC)
Alma Viator shared the heartbreaking news that she lost the love of her life, Ben, who passed away from a massive heart attack. He was at home, resting in his favorite chair, eagerly waiting for the Braves to take on the Yankees. This tragic loss has left a profound impact on those who knew him.
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(UPDATED August 10, 2026 07:21 UTC)
A reunion event for the beloved show 'Dukes of Hazzard' is set to take place in Luray, featuring several cast members, including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer. This gathering is particularly special as it coincides with Shroyer's upcoming 91st birthday on August 28. Fans of the show can look forward to celebrating the legacy of the series and its stars at this exciting event.
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(UPDATED August 10, 2026 02:40 UTC)
During a recent appearance on 'Issues and Answers,' Jones reflected on the enduring popularity of 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' sharing that the show brought joy to people regardless of their background or beliefs. In celebration of this legacy, a reunion event is set to take place in Luray, featuring cast members like Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 on August 28. Jones was officially named a ‘Duke of Hazard’ during the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard back in 2003.
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(UPDATED August 10, 2026 01:22 UTC)
Ben Jones, the actor best known for his role as Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has passed away at the age of 84 from a heart attack, as announced by his wife, Alma Viator. Jones, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993, was set to celebrate his 85th birthday later this month with a reunion event in Luray, Virginia, alongside fellow cast members. He was a beloved figure who often engaged with fans at Cooter’s Place, a themed museum and store, where he would sing with ‘Cooter’s Garage Band’ and coordinate fan events over the years.