JoeBonsall_2024_byJonMir_lrg.jpg

Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys has died at 76 from complications of ALS. Image by Jon Mir. Courtesy Oak Ridge Boys.  

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A longtime member of the Oak Ridge Boys has died.

The group announced Tuesday that Joe Bonsall died of complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. He was 76.

Bonsall had been with the quartet for 50 years, and, according to a post on social media, he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Oak Ridge Boys have been a mainstay at the Kentucky State Fair. The group announced last year that they would return for their 50th performance at the 2024 State Fair. They are scheduled for a free concert on Sunday, Aug. 18.

In a tribute on the Oak Ridge Boys site, the group said "Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled "I See Myself," which releases in November. Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day."

Tributes were being posted from many in country music including Blake Shelton who said, "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. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today."

At the request of Bonsall, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. 

Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.

Related Stories: 

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.