After the passing of his friend Joe Bonsall, Blake Shelton penned a heartfelt tribute in his honor.
Joe was a member of the country and gospel group, The Oak Ridge Boys, from 1973 until 2024.
On Tuesday, Blake, 48, shared a photo of himself performing on stage alongside The Oak Ridge Boys.
The specific date and location of the photo remain undisclosed.
Blake Shelton shared on his Instagram Stories, “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall.”
He continued, “I have NEVER seen Joe without a smile on his face, full of energy and life.”
Blake also expressed, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever known.”
He concluded with, “I’m praying for his family and his brothers at @theoakridgeboys. Today, we all lost someone truly special.”
Blake collaborated with The Oak Ridge Boys on the 2016 song “Doing It to Country Songs.”
Joe Bonsall passed away due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Neuromuscular diseases like ALS have no cure and primarily affect the body’s voluntary muscles.
In January 2024, fans learned of the singer’s diagnosis, four years after he had already been battling the illness.
Joe was married to Mary Ann and was the father of two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina. He also had two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A Bonsall family spokesperson shared in a press release, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his upcoming memoir, I See Myself, which will be released in November.”
Joe cherished his time on the farm and was an avid follower of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. The statement continued, “But above all, Jesus and his family were his greatest priorities, and we will reunite with him on the Promised Day.”
When his diagnosis was announced, Joe also revealed that he would be stepping away from the band.
PLAYING WITH THE BAND
The Oak Ridge Boys consist of Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen.
Some of the band’s most iconic hits include “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
The Oak Ridge Boys have earned five Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
No one in the band who is still playing is one of the original members.
“Joe really enjoyed singing. He enjoyed reading. He enjoyed writing. He enjoyed playing the banjo a lot.
The group was originally founded by Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ “American Made: The Farewell Tour” kicks off today and will continue through December 8.
