Violet Hensley, the fiddle maker known to generations of Silver Dollar City guests as the “Whittlin' Fiddler,” has died at 109. The park announced her death Sunday and said she had passed away during the week.
Our beloved “Whittlin’ Fiddler” passed away this week after 109 incredible years.
— Silver Dollar City (@SDCAttractions) August 16, 2026
To Silver Dollar City citizens and guests, she will always be a part of our family.https://t.co/R7XiGoatgi
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Hensley Made 74 Fiddles and Played at Silver Dollar City
Hensley began making fiddles as a teenager after learning the craft from her father. She eventually made 74 instruments and played many of them during demonstrations at Silver Dollar City over nearly four decades.
Television Appearances Took Her Fiddles Beyond Branson
Her television appearances included The Beverly Hillbillies, Captain Kangaroo and Live with Regis and Kathy Lee. At Silver Dollar City, her fiddle making and playing became part of the park's long-running craft demonstrations.
Sources: Silver Dollar City and Historic Arkansas Museum.
Image credit: Historic Arkansas Museum.