‘Dukes of Hazzard’ cast member, former Georgia congressman, dies

Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport in the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” and served two terms as a lawmaker representing Georgia, has died at age 84.

His wife Alma Viator and fellow cast member Tom Wopat announced Jones’ death on social media.

“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,” Viator said.

“Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much,” she added.

Tom Wopat, who portrayed Luke Duke, said of Jones, “Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business.”

“The Dukes of Hazzard,” a popular TV show set in Georgia, was on the air for seven seasons, from January 1979 to February 1985.

Boosted by the popularity of the show, Jones, a Democrat, ran for Congress in Georgia and eventually won in 1988, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

He served two terms before being defeated by Newt Gingrich after redistricting took his seat.

However, an ethics complaint Jones filed against Gingrich led to Gingrich resigning as House Speaker in 1998.

Jones retained his interest in politics after his political career ended through editorials and appearing as a regular pundit on shows such as “O’Reilly” and “Hardball.”

Jones and his wife were proprietors of “Cooter’s Place,” the “Dukes of Hazzard” museum and shops in Luray, Virginia, Pigeon Forge and Nashville, Tennessee.

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