Oak Ridge Boys Lead Singer Duane Allen’s Wife Norah Lee Passes Away

The Oak Ridge Boys are mourning Norah Lee Allen, wife of lead singer Duane Allen, who passed away Sunday morning, March 31st, after a long illness. She was 75.

A Message From Norah’s Husband

According to a press release by 2911 Media, Duane shared this heartfelt message with his close friends on Sunday:

“I apologize for making this like a group announcement, but I have not been where I could talk or respond to texts, e-mails, or calls. This morning, my wife of 54 years and 8 months took her last breath of air on planet Earth. Norah Lee went to be with Jesus at 7:38 am, Easter morning. She had not been feeling well for some time. Her family all spent the night with her last night at Vanderbilt Hospital. We took time singing with and to her, telling her stories, and loving her every second that God let us share her here on Earth.”

He continued by expressing gratitude to their loved ones for their thoughts and prayers. Additionally, Duane extended thanks to the doctors and medical staff for their dedicated care for his wife.

Norah Lee’s Musical Journey

Norah Lee graced the Grand Ole Opry stage for over 40 years, lending her talent as a background vocalist to country music’s biggest stars.

Raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky, she began singing at age three with her sisters in The Stuart Sisters Trio. Joining the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1968, she found her footing in the industry.

Norah Lee married Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys, on September 22, 1969.

The couple shared a deep bond that spanned over five decades, marked by love, support, and a shared passion for music.

RELATED: The Oak Ridge Boys Announce Farewell Tour, But It’s Not “Goodbye”

In the early 1970s, Norah Lee found her calling at Benson Publishing Group in Nashville, where she juggled secretarial duties and provided background vocals for studio recordings. Known for her versatility, she collaborated with artists like Jerome Hines and Conway Twitty.

By 1975, Norah Lee transitioned into a defining role in her career, joining the Grand Ole Opry band full-time in 1980. Alongside the Carol Lee Singers and Opry Staff Singers, she mastered numerous songs each night, balancing her professional success with her faith-based family life.

Throughout her 50-year career, Norah Lee performed with iconic names in country music, such as Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Norah Lee Allen dedicated her life to supporting others, balancing a career alongside music’s biggest stars with humility and unwavering faith. Her undeniable talent and professionalism defined her as a lifelong artist.

As a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, she earned admiration throughout the Nashville music community.

Visitation And Funeral Arrangements

Duane also shared details regarding the arrangements for Norah’s visitation service and funeral.

“Check my Facebook page later for details on the arrangements. We hope to have visitation and service at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 2, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Then, a visitation, service, and burial at Stuart’s Chapel, near Russellville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, April 3.”

Additional details will be shared on the official Facebook pages for Duane Allen and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Norah’s family during this difficult time.