Was Ben Jones married? Family life explored as the Dukes of Hazzard star and politician dies at 84

Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at 84 after suffering a massive heart attack, according to his wife. His passing came weeks before his birthday on Aug. 30.

Ben Jones' wife, Alma Viator, whom he married on Oct. 10, 1992, announced his death in a heartbreaking Facebook post on Sunday, Aug. 8.

In her heartfelt announcement, she called the late actor the "love of my life," adding that he was at home resting in his favorite chair when he suffered the heart attack.

"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."

She went on:

"Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed."

Ben Jones and Alma Viator remained together for 33 years until his death. They have two children from his previous relationships: a daughter named Rachel and a son named Walked.

Concluding her social media announcement, Alma Viator remembered her late husband with a photo of him sitting in his chair with a dog on his lap, writing:

"I loved him so so much."

Ben Jones dead: A glimpse into his career from acting to music to politics

Ben Jones portrayed Cooter Davenport, the mechanic and owner of Cooter's Garage, throughout the original The Dukes of Hazzard series. He appeared in 142 episodes of the CBS show, which ran for seven seasons from 1979 to 1985.

The role made Jones a familiar face to television audiences, and he later returned as Cooter in the 2000 television movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.

Ben Jones also appeared in films including Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince and provided his character's voice for Dukes of Hazzard video games in 1999, 2000, and 2004.

His acting career spanned more than five decades, with credits dating from 1968 through 2021.

Apart from acting, Ben Jones was also a singer and has toured and recorded with Cooter's Garage Band. He released multiple CDs, featuring southern and country-leaning tracks, throughout his musical career, including his One for the Younguns in 2014, The Hazzard & Southern Railroad in 2021, and Rockabilly Road in 2024.

Away from entertainment, Jones pursued a career in politics. After becoming involved in Georgia politics, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1989 to 1993.

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Jones was only weeks away from his 85th birthday, which would have been Aug. 30.

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