Blake Shelton wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend Joe Bonsall after his passing. Joe, who was a member of the country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 until 2024, left a lasting legacy in the music world.
On Tuesday, Blake, 48, shared a photo on his Instagram Stories of himself performing live with The Oak Ridge Boys. The exact date and location of the photo are unknown, but it captured a moment of camaraderie between Blake and the group.
Blake expressed his sorrow with the post: “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s death. I have never seen Joe without a genuine smile on his face.”
“He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met,” Blake continued. “His brothers at @theoakridgeboys and his family are in my prayers. We have all lost someone significant today.”
Blake and The Oak Ridge Boys collaborated on the song “Doing It to Country Songs” in 2016, a testament to their strong musical bond.
Joe passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neuromuscular disorder that affects the body’s voluntary muscles. There is currently no cure for ALS. Fans first learned of Joe’s illness in January 2024, four years after he was diagnosed.
Joe is survived by his wife Mary Ann, their two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The Bonsall family released a statement saying, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his upcoming memoir, *I See Myself,* which comes out in November.”
The statement continued, “He loved spending time on the farm and was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Joe had announced his diagnosis and his decision to retire from the band. The Oak Ridge Boys—consisting of Joe, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden—are known for hits like “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.” In 2015, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame after winning five Grammy Awards.
Though none of the original members remain in the band, Joe took great joy in singing, reading, writing, and playing the banjo. The Oak Ridge Boys, originally formed
