Ben Jones, the actor best known for his role in The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.
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Jones' wife, Alma Viator, announced his passing on Sunday, sharing a photo of the actor holding a dog.
Viator revealed that her husband suffered a "massive heart attack" at their home in Luray, Virginia, while waiting for the Atlanta Braves to play the New York Yankees.
The couple had been married since 1992.
Actor Dies After Suffering Massive Heart Attack
Viator shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, revealing that she had "lost the love of my life today."
"Ben passed from a massive heart attack," she wrote. "He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees."
"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."
Jones became a familiar face to millions as Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard, appearing in 141 episodes between 1979 and 1985.
He later reprised the role in the television movies The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! in 1997 and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000.
Originally from North Carolina, Jones moved to Atlanta in 1969 and lived in Covington, Georgia, during the show's filming.
As The Dukes of Hazzard grew in popularity, he remained in Georgia and commuted to Los Angeles for production.
Jones also served as president of the Georgia branch of the Screen Actors Guild and chaired the Georgia Film Commission.
Dukes of Hazzard Co-Star Pays Tribute
Jones' longtime co-star Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, paid tribute following news of his death.
"The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today," Wopat wrote on Instagram. "Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business."
"He will be sorely missed... Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, "I'm not your Uncle Jesse!" But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today."
Beyond acting, Jones also pursued a career in politics.
He won election to Congress in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 1989 until January 1993.
Jones later continued working in entertainment, with his career credits including The Magical World of Disney, Jack, Primary Colors and Sliders.
