“Arkansas Treasure” and legendary fiddler Violet Hensley died Friday (August 7) at the age of 109.
Violet Hensley was born in rural Arkansas in 1916. By the age of 15 she had crafted her first fiddle, a skill that eventually led to her being nicknamed the Whittlin’ Fiddler. Over the course of her life, she crafted more than 70 fiddles by hand, each one numbered by Hensley. It is reported that she remembered where each of the fiddles ended up, whether she gifted them, they were purchased, or were on display in a museum.
KY3 reports that Hensley took a break from fiddling to raise nine children. She wouldn’t become a celebrity until her 50s when she gained recognition as a performer at Branson’s Silver Dollar City and throughout the Ozarks.
Photo credit: Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way – The Violet Hensley Story/Facebook
Violet even appeared in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies when they filmed in Branson. During the filming, Violet reportedly struck up a friendship with Irene Ryan, the actress who portrayed Granny on the show. The friendship lasted until Ryan’s death in 1973.
Hensley appeared on The Art Linkletter Show, Captain Kangaroo, and Live with Regis and Kathy Lee. She was also featured in magazines such as National Geographic, Mature Living, and Country Woman.
Hensley made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 99. She joined Opry star Mike Sneider to perform “Angeline The Baker.”
As her eyesight began to fail and she could no longer make fiddles, Violet turned her attention to teaching others to make and play the instrument. She was inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018. She made her third appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on April 14, 2018, performing “Faded Love.”
Violet Hensley Remembered
Violet Hensley passed away at her home in Yellville, Arkansas, surrounded by family. As news of her death spread, tributes began to flood social media. The people of the Ozark region, who proudly claimed her as one of their own, are remembering her as a champion of whittling and folk music.
Photo credit: Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way – The Violet Hensley Story/Facebook
“She embodied the traditions, craftsmanship, and spirit that have made our community the Whittling Capital of America,” the town of Leslie, Arkansas, wrote on social media. “Her kindness, humility, and passion inspired countless people, and she graciously became part of our Leslie family.”
See more touching tributes to Violet Hensley below.
