Violet Hensley, known as the Whittlin’ Fiddler, passed away on August 7 at the age of 109. Hensley, who was considered a Silver Dollar City legend, also made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2016 and even appeared on an episode of “The Beverly Hillbillies” as well as various talk shows.
The town of Leslie, Arkansas, confirmed the news of Hensley’s passing with a Facebook post. They wrote, “Today, it is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ms. Violet Hensley, a true Arkansas legend and an honorary member of the Leslie community.”
Violet Hensley Leaves Behind a Vast Legacy
The statement continued with the town of Leslie, Arkansas, highlighting Hensley’s legacy. They said, “Although Ms. Violet called Yellville home, she held a special place in the hearts of the people of Leslie. As the world-renowned Whittlin’ Fiddler, she embodied the traditions, craftsmanship, and spirit that have made our community the Whittling Capital of America.”
After that, the post went on to mention some of the honors Hensley had received from the city. According to the statement, “In 2025, it was our great privilege to honor Ms. Violet by proclaiming Violet Hensley Day and presenting her with the Key to the City of Leslie in recognition of her lifetime of preserving the art of whittling and traditional Ozark music.
Her kindness, humility, and passion inspired countless people, and she graciously became part of our Leslie family.”
According to KY3, Hensley credited her father for her love of fiddling, as he taught her at an early age how to both carve and play the instrument. However, the icon put the fiddle aside for nearly 30 years as she raised 9 children. It wasn’t until the 1960s that she picked it up again.
Her rediscovering the craft led to her decades-long career performing for guests at Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City. It was her stint at the park that led to her appearance on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” As mentioned, she also made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 2016 at the age of 99.
Per PEOPLE, Silver Dollar City released a statement following Hensley’s passing. They said, “Today, we celebrate the beautiful life of our dear friend, Violet Hensley, who passed away at the remarkable age of 109.
For decades, Violet touched hearts of Silver Dollar City guests and citizens through the sounds of her fiddle, the warmth of her smile and her stories.”
Tributes Are Pouring In
Hensley not only spent decades charming guests at Silver Dollar City, but she also made a number of television appearances beyond “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Because of this, many are taking to social media to pay tribute to her legacy.
One person on X wrote, “The amazing magnetic presence of Violet Hensley drew the eye, then the ear, and finally, once focused upon her, the heart. Once she attracted you to what she was doing, you were a fan for life. She was considered by many to be the oldest living country music star. Yet I, and the millions who met or saw her, simply thought of her as a fiddling friend. We were blessed by her presence.”
Someone else shared a photo, saying, “I love this photo of a fun session with Betse Ellis and Violet Hensley, taken right after she did her patented ‘speed up at the end of the tune’ move. I hung on for a while, but in the end she won, as she always did! Violet passed away today at the age of 109. Rest in Peace”
