Blake Shelton Honors Joe Bonsall in Heartfelt Tribute

Blake Shelton is mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall. A spokesperson for Bonsall’s family confirmed that he passed away on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 76. With a heavy heart, Shelton joined the chorus of country music stars paying tribute to the late legend.

“I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met,” shared the “Sangria” singer. Shelton had collaborated with Joe and the Southern gospel group on his song “Doing It to Country Songs” back in 2016. He posted these sentiments on X (formerly known as Twitter), along with a throwback photo of himself performing onstage with Bonsall and Oak Ridge Boys members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @theoakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today.”

Bonsall passed away from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease he had been battling for several years. His death comes just months after his retirement from touring in January to focus on his health. His passing also follows closely on the heels of the death of Golden’s son, Rusty Golden, at the age of 65.

Bonsall was a long-time member of the legendary country and gospel group, having joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973. He sang lead on some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” The statement announcing his death honored him as “a 50-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys,” and highlighted his induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the Grand Ole Opry, Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In the wake of his death, many country stars took to social media to pay their respects. On X, Trace Adkins wrote, “Joe Bonsall was one of the kindest people I ever met. He was a rock star, and he was a wonderful human being. RIP Joe.” Travis Tritt shared, “My heart is heavy. Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality, and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, commented, “Bonsall’s tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off.”

Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Bonsall, their daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Source: Particlenews