Blake Shelton penned an emotional remembrance of his friend Joe Bonsall upon his passing. From 1973 to 2024, Joe was a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, a country and gospel group. On Tuesday, Blake, 48, posted a photo of himself performing live with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Blake shared on Instagram Stories, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s death. 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.” He added, “His brothers at @theoakridgeboys and his family are in my prayers. We have all lost someone significant today.”
Joe Bonsall passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Fans learned about his illness in January 2024, four years after his diagnosis.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, their daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandkids, and two great-grandchildren. The Bonsall family announced, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his upcoming memoir, I See Myself, which comes out in November.”
The Oak Ridge Boys, including Joe, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and are known for hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” Joe loved singing, reading, writing, and playing the banjo.
