Our thoughts and prayers go out to Blake Shelton and his family for their tragic loss
Blake Shelton recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend following his passing. A cherished member of the country and gospel band The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2024, he was remembered for his infectious spirit and profound love of music.
Blake, 48, shared a touching photo of himself performing on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys, expressing his sorrow on Instagram Stories. “I’m so sad to hear about the death of my friend Joe Bonsall,” Blake wrote. “I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met. His family and his @theoakridgeboys brothers are in my thoughts and prayers.” Blake concluded with, “Today we lost a very important person.”
Blake collaborated with The Oak Ridge Boys on the song “Doing It to Country Songs” in 2016, highlighting the bond he shared with the band.
The cause of death was Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This incurable neuromuscular condition affects the body’s voluntary muscles. Fans learned of the diagnosis in January 2024, four years after he first became ill.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In a press release, a family spokesperson shared, “Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his most recent memoir, I See Myself, which comes out in November.” The statement continued, “He loved running the farm and was a devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan. But Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.” Upon his diagnosis, he announced his departure from the band.
He performed alongside William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen in The Oak Ridge Boys. The band is celebrated 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 and have won five Grammy Awards. Notably, none of the current band members were part of the original lineup, which included Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on tour with their “American Made: The Farewell” show, scheduled to run until December 8.
His legacy lives on through his music, his writings, and the many lives he touched. His vibrant presence and unwavering love for music will be deeply missed.