Violet Hensley, legendary fiddle maker, dies at 109

Violet Hensley, a renowned country music legend and master fiddle maker known as the “Whittlin’ Fiddler,” has died at the age of 109. She passed away on August 7, 2026.

Born in Mount Ida, Arkansas, Hensley was a skilled luthier who learned to carve and play the fiddle from her father. After spending 27 years focused on raising her nine children, she returned to music in her 50s. She became a prominent figure at the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri, where she crafted instruments for over 50 years.

Hensley's craft and personality earned her national recognition through appearances on various programs and profiles in publications like National Geographic. She was considered a