Longtime Silver Dollar City Fiddler Violent Hensley Passes Away

A woman who was a legend for all her years at Silver Dollar City has passed away. 

In a statement last week, the park announced the passing of Violet Hensley, who became a national celebrity playing the fiddle in her later years, passed away at the age of 109. 

Hensley was born in 1916 in central Arkansas but spent much of her later years living in Yellville. She was taught the fiddle at a young age but didn’t start playing full-time until after she raised a family. She worked at Silver Dollar City for many years and still made annual appearances at the park. 

The compete statement from Silver Dollar City:

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. She wasn’t simply one of America’s most respected fiddle makers and musicians, she was the heart of an Ozarks tradition that connected generations to this special place.    

To know Violet was to experience genuine kindness, quiet humility and an unwavering love for others and her deep, deep love for her family. Not only was she an Arkansas treasure, through her wit and talent, she won hearts on  her national television appearances like the Grand Ole Opry. Most importantly to Silver Dollar City citizens and guests, she will always be a part of our family.