Blake Shelton wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend Joe Bonsall following his passing. Joe, a member of the country and gospel band The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2024, was celebrated for his vibrant spirit and love of music.
Blake, 48, shared a picture of himself performing on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys on Tuesday. The exact time and place of the picture remain unknown.
“I’m so sad to hear about the death of my friend Joe Bonsall,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. “I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.
He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met. His family and his @theoakridgeboys brothers are in my thoughts and prayers.” Blake concluded, “Today we lost a very important person.”
Blake collaborated with The Oak Ridge Boys on the song “Doing It to Country Songs” in 2016.
Joe’s death was caused by Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neuromuscular condition that has no cure and affects the body’s voluntary muscles. Fans learned of Joe’s diagnosis in January 2024, four years after he first became ill.
Joe is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A family spokesperson shared in a press release, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his most recent memoir, I See Myself, which comes out in November.”
The statement continued, “He loved running the farm and was a devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan. But Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Upon his diagnosis, Joe announced his departure from the band.
Joe Bonsall was joined in The Oak Ridge Boys by William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen. Some of the band’s best-known songs include “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
In 2015, The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and won five Grammy Awards.
None of the current band members were part of the original lineup, which included Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on tour with their “American Made: The Farewell” show, which runs until December 8.
