Joe Bonsall, a cherished member of the iconic country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away.
Fox News reported that Joe Bonsall died due to complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy enriched by music and literature.
Bonsall’s career with The Oak Ridge Boys spanned half a century, during which he was admired for his musical talents and as a prolific author.
His retirement from touring came just six months ago, a decision forced by the progressive challenges of his health condition, which he had been managing for over four years. Mobility had become a formidable challenge for him, as reflected in his recent performances where he sang while seated.
Bonsall’s contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His passion for the arts extended beyond singing; he was also a dedicated writer, having authored eleven books, including a forthcoming memoir entitled ‘I See Myself.’
Joe detailed his decision to retire due to his debilitating condition, expressing it poignantly in a message to his fans. He shared his struggles and the realities of his health, which had irrevocably changed his daily life and his ability to perform.
Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular proxy. I am now to a point where walking is impossible, so I have retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.
It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank them and ask for you to keep on praying.
Outside his musical and literary pursuits, Bonsall was a man of diverse interests. He devoted time to farming and avidly supported the Philadelphia Phillies. He brought this same enthusiasm to his personal life, cherishing time with his family and his faith, which remained central throughout his life.
Instead of traditional funeral services, Bonsall had requested donations be directed towards efforts in battling ALS, specifically to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center’s ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, their daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, and their extended family. He leaves behind a legacy that will resonate through his music and books and the many lives he touched.
The loss follows another recent bereavement in The Oak Ridge Boys’ family, with the passing of Rusty Golden, affirming a season of poignant farewells within the group’s community.
As The Oak Ridge Boys conclude their farewell tour, they and their fans also bid a final, tender goodbye to a beloved band member whose voice and spirit shaped decades of musical history. Joe Bonsall’s memoir, set for release in November, will offer a lasting, personal insight into the life of this remarkable artist and human being.
