In a touching tribute, Blake Shelton talked about his friend Joe Bonsall’s death.
Before 2024, Joe was a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, a country and gospel band.
Blake, who is 48 years old, posted a picture of himself this week singing on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Nobody knows for sure when and where the picture was taken.
On his Instagram Stories, he wrote, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s death.”
“I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”
According to Blake, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“His family and his @theoakridgeboys brothers are in my thoughts and prayers. Yesterday, we lost a very important person.
The Oak Ridge Boys were on Blake’s 2016 album Doing It to Country Songs.
Alzheimer’s disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, led to his death.
A neuromuscular disease called ALS can’t be cured. It affects the body’s voluntary muscles.
As of January 2024, the singer had been fighting the illness for four years before telling his fans.
There were two daughters named Jennifer and Sabrina, a wife named Mary Ann, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A spokesperson for the Bonsall family said in a press release, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his most recent, a memoir called I See Myself, which out in November.”
The farm job was his favorite thing to do. The Philadelphia Phillies were his favorite team. There was also a promise that Jesus and his family would be seen again on the promised day.
While telling everyone about his diagnosis, Joe said he was leaving the band.
BAND TIME
William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen are the other members of The Oak Ridge Boys besides Joe.
“Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue” are some of the band’s best-known songs.
The Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 inducted The Oak Ridge Boys. They won five Grammy Awards.
Nobody in the band who is still playing is one of the original members.
“Joe liked listening to music. Reading was his thing. Writing was his thing. The banjo was his favorite instrument.
Four people started the band: Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
From now until December 8, the Oak Ridge Boys will be on the road with their American Made: The Farwell tour.