Blake Shelton composed a heartfelt tribute to his friend Joe Bonsall following his death.
Joe was a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, a renowned country and gospel group, from 1973 until 2024.
On Tuesday, Blake, aged 48, shared a photograph of himself delivering a live performance alongside The Oak Ridge Boys.
The precise time and location of the photograph’s capture remain uncertain.
He shared on his Instagram Stories, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall.”
“I have never seen Joe without a smile on his face and a genuine smile on his face.”
“He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met,” Blake continued.
My thoughts and prayers are with his brothers at @theoakridgeboys and his family. Today, we have all experienced the loss of someone truly important.
Blake and The Oak Ridge Boys released the song “Doing It to Country Songs” in 2016.
The cause of his death was Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is also referred to as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Neuromuscular disorders such as ALS currently have no known cure, affecting the voluntary muscles throughout the body.
Four years following the singer’s prolonged illness, fans became aware of his condition in January 2024.
Jennifer and Sabrina were his daughters from his union with Mary Ann. Furthermore, he was blessed with two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A statement released by the Bonsall family indicated that “Joseph has authored 11 books, with his forthcoming memoir, I See Myself, set to be published in November.”
He thoroughly enjoyed his time during his visit to the farm. As a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, he cherished every moment. “However, Jesus and his family were always his top priority, and we shall reunite with him on the Promised Day,” the statement further elaborated.
Joe announced his condition and that he was quitting the band.
Having fun with a band
The members of the Oak Ridge Boys include Joe, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden.
The band’s most well-known tunes include “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
In 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys were honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a recognition that followed their achievement of five Grammy Awards.
The band no longer includes any members from its original lineup. Joe derived immense joy from singing. He was an avid reader. He possessed a deep passion for writing. He thoroughly enjoyed playing the banjo.
Wally Fowler, Little Johnny New, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, and Curly Kinsey formed the group.
The Farwell, a tour featuring the Oak Ridge Boys, commences today and will continue until December 8.
