Country Music World Reacts To Joe Bonsall’s Death
Rocky Skaggs / Instagram, Kenny Rogers / Facebook
It was announced on Tuesday, July 9, that beloved Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall had passed away earlier that day due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Bonsall is survived by his “precious wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy.”
Per Joe’s request, there will be no funeral. The family asks that instead of flowers, family, friends, and fans donate to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Bonsall was a 50-year member of the legendary country band The Oak Ridge Boys. He had been having health issues for the last few years, which forced him to retire from performing with his band earlier this year.
His statement on January 3, 2024 read:
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically 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 you and ask for you to keep on praying.”
Little did we know that the neuromuscular disorder he had been battling was ALS.
His death has rocked the country music world, from his band members, to friends he made throughout his 50-year career. See all of their reactions below.
Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys shared a press release announcing “We ask that everyone please respect the privacy of the Bonsall family at this time.”
William Lee Golden
The Oak Ridge Boys member took to Facebook to write, “Sadness Continues 
.” Golden is mourning the loss of his 65-year-old son, Rusty, just eight days before his bandmate’s passing.
Blake Shelton
“I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls 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.”
I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls 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… pic.twitter.com/RKVJ7KcXyL
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 9, 2024
CMT
Country Music Hall Of Fame
Whisperin’ Bill Anderson
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Ricky Skaggs
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JD Shelburne
Bill and Gloria Gaither
Lee Greenwood
Home Free
Kenny Rogers’ team
Trace Adkins
Moe Bandy
Terri Clark
So saddened by the news of the passing of Joe Bonsall …he was such gentleman and truly one of the kindest and most hard working men in music. His heart and energy will be dearly missed. Sending love and prayers to friends and family ….@joebonsall @oakridgeboys pic.twitter.com/k8f4RSxpJc
— Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) July 9, 2024
CMA
It is with great sadness to learn of Country Music Hall of Fame member and CMA Awards winner, Joe Bonsall’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AaIlVGdX7v
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) July 9, 2024
Ray Stevens
It is with great sadness to learn of Country Music Hall of Fame member and CMA Awards winner, Joe Bonsall’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AaIlVGdX7v
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) July 9, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew Joe. Just from these tributes, you can tell he touched the lives of everyone he interacted with.
