Violet Hensley, Fiddler Who Debuted at the Grand Ole Opry at 99, Dies at 109
Violet Hensley, a fiddler who made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 99, has died at 109. Hensley, who was known for her distinction between fiddle and violin, told the Tulsa World in 1982, "If you can read music, you play the violin. I can't read music, so I just play the fiddle." Her death was reported by The New York Times on August 15, 2026. Hensley's career was marked by her late-life performance at the iconic Nashville venue, making her one of the oldest performers to debut there. Her passing is a loss to the traditional music community, where she was celebrated for her longevity and skill.
Key facts
- Violet Hensley died at age 109.
- She debuted at the Grand Ole Opry when she was 99.
- She made a distinction between fiddle and violin.
- She told the Tulsa World in 1982: 'If you can read music, you play the violin. I can't read music, so I just play the fiddle.'
- Her death was reported by The New York Times on August 15, 2026.
- She was a fiddler.
Entities
Artists
- Violet Hensley
Institutions
- Grand Ole Opry
- The New York Times
- Tulsa World
Locations
- Nashville
- United States