Our thoughts and prayers go out to Blake Shelton and his family for their tragic loss
Blake Shelton Mourns the Loss of Joe Bonsall
Blake Shelton paid tribute to his late friend Joe Bonsall, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2024. Sharing a stage photo with the band on Instagram, Blake wrote, “I’m so sad to hear about the death of my friend Joe Bonsall. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”
Joe Bonsall’s Impact and Legac
Joe Bonsall loved singing and was known for his joyful spirit. Blake noted, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met.” Joe’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disease, led to his death. Diagnosed in January 2024, Joe had been privately battling the illness for four years.
Family and Personal Life
Joe is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A family spokesperson mentioned Joe’s authorship of 11 books, including an upcoming memoir, “I See Myself.” The statement added, “But Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Career with The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys, consisting of Joe, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen, are known for hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, the band won five Grammy Awards. Despite Joe’s passing, The Oak Ridge Boys continue their “American Made: The Farewell” tour, scheduled to run until December 8.
