Blake Shelton recently honored his late friend, Joe Bonsall, with a heartfelt tribute.
Joe Bonsall, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2024, was celebrated by Blake Shelton, who shared a nostalgic photo of himself performing on stage with the band.
Although the specific date and location of the photo remain unknown, the gesture reflects their close friendship.
In his Instagram Stories, Blake expressed his sorrow, stating, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s passing.” He fondly remembered Joe, saying, “I’ve NEVER seen Joe without a smile and full of life.”
Blake further shared, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met.” He offered his prayers for Joe’s family and the members of The Oak Ridge Boys, acknowledging their collective loss.
Blake Shelton and The Oak Ridge Boys collaborated on the 2016 song “Doing It to Country Songs.”
Joe’s passing was due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disease that affects voluntary muscles and currently has no cure.
Fans were informed of Joe’s diagnosis in January 2024, four years after he had been diagnosed.
Joe Bonsall was married to Mary Ann and leaves behind two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was also an accomplished author, with 11 books to his name, including his forthcoming memoir, I See Myself, due in November.
A press release from the Bonsall family highlighted Joe’s love for farm life and his devotion to his faith and family.
He followed the Philadelphia Phillies and cherished his time with loved ones, anticipating a reunion in the afterlife.
The Oak Ridge Boys, featuring Joe along with William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen, are renowned for hits like “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
The band, which has won five Grammys and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, is currently on their American Made: The Farewell tour, which runs until December 8.
Notably, none of the current band members are among the original founders, who were Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
Joe enjoyed singing, reading, writing, and playing the banjo throughout his life.
