Blake Shelton expressed his sorrow over the passing of his friend Joe Bonsall.
Joe was a part of The Oak Ridge Boys, a country and gospel group, from 1973 to 2024.
On Tuesday, Blake, aged 48, shared a photo of himself performing alongside The Oak Ridge Boys. The exact time and location of the photo remains unknown.
In a post on his Instagram Stories, he wrote, “I’m devastated by the news of Joe Bonsall’s passing.”
“I have never seen Joe without a genuine smile on his face,” Blake added.
“He had a deep passion for singing, unlike anyone I’ve ever known,” continued Blake.
He extended his prayers to his brothers at @theoakridgeboys and Joe’s family following this significant loss.
In 2016, Blake and The Oak Ridge Boys collaborated on the song “Doing It to Country Songs.”
Joe’s passing was attributed to Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), for which there is currently no cure. This condition affects the body’s voluntary muscles.
After battling illness for four years, the public became aware of Joe’s condition in January 2024.
Joe was survived by his two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, from his marriage to Mary Ann, and he had two great-grandchildren and two grandchildren.
According to a family announcement, Joe was also an author and had written 11 books, including the upcoming memoir “I See Myself,” scheduled for release in November.
Joe deeply enjoyed his time on the farm and was a devoted Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan. The statement also emphasized that despite his love for baseball, his faith and family always took precedence, and they believe that they will reunite with him on the Promised Day.
Joe revealed his illness and decision to leave the band in light of his condition.
The Oak Ridge Boys are best known for their songs “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
Following their five Grammy Awards, The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. As of now, no original lineup members remain in the band. Joe derived great joy from singing, was an avid reader, loved writing, and enjoyed playing the banjo.
Not a single member of the original lineup remains in the band.Joe took great pleasure in singing. He was a voracious reader. He was a passionate writer. He had a great time picking up the banjo.
