Ben Jones dies at 84: What was the 'Dukes of Hazzard' star's net worth?

Ben Jones, best known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard, died on August 9, 2026 at the age of 84.

His wife, Alma Viator, said Jones died at home from a massive heart attack while sitting in his favourite chair waiting for an Atlanta Braves game.

The actor became widely recognised as Cooter, appearing across all seven seasons of The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985.

Born Ben Lewis Jones on August 30, 1941 near Tarboro, North Carolina, Jones developed a career spanning acting, music, writing and politics.

He later served as a Democrat in the US House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 4th District from 1989 to 1993.

Jones and Viator also established Cooter's Place, a Dukes of Hazzard-themed museum and shop. Locations operated in Virginia and Tennessee, while fan gatherings and merchandise provided additional sources of income.

According to reports, Celebrity Net Worth and similar trackers have estimated Jones' wealth at around $500,000. His reported income sources included acting, his congressional salary, museum operations, merchandise, appearances, music performances and writing.

Jones was also known for maintaining a relatively private lifestyle away from Hollywood. He lived with Viator on a historic log cabin farm in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

He is survived by Viator and their children, Rachel and Walker. Beyond his reported net worth, Jones leaves a legacy closely associated with Cooter and the enduring fan following of The Dukes of Hazzard.