THE Dukes of Hazzard star Ben Jones has died aged 84 following a “massive heart attack”.
His wife, Alma Viator, paid a touching tribute to the actor-turned-politician, whom she described as “the love of my life”.
Announcing his death alongside a photo of Jones holding his dog, she wrote: “Ben had the most amazing, rich, full life. He loved and was loved by so many.
“He will be missed. I loved him so much.”
Alma said her husband died from a heart attack in his “favourite resting chair” while waiting to watch his beloved Atlanta Braves baseball team take on the New York Yankees.
Jones played mechanic Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard and was an honorary member of the Duke clan.
He appeared in 141 episodes for the full run of the show, starring alongside Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach.
Former co-star Wopat paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, writing: “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.”
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The Dukes of Hazzard aired from 1979 to 1985 and there are seven seasons of the comedy series.
Jones also appeared in the 1997 movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, and the 2000 flick The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.
Jones ran for Congress in 1988, winning a seat in the House of Representatives and serving two terms.
It comes a year after Jones’ The Dukes of Hazzard co-star Rick Hurst died aged 79.
Hurst died unexpectedly at his Los Angeles home days before he was scheduled to make an appearance at a fan event.
He played the cop Cletus Hogg in the show – the brother of the villain Boss Hogg – between 1979 and 1982.
Jones led the tributes after Hurst’s death, writing on Facebook: “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon.
“When something so unexpected happens, it is “harder to process”, as the current expression goes.”
Jones then paid tribute to Hurst’s acting and comedy skills.
“Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas,” he said.
“He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderful supportive colleague.”
