The Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall in a video days before death

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of ,Joe Bonsalla cherished member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years. Joe passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76, due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
In January, Joe made the difficult decision to retire from touring with the quartet, citing his illness. Despite his absence, the group honoured him by continuing their farewell tour.
A heartfelt statement on Joe's website reads:
"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."
The statement continues:
"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."
Honouring Joe's wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, his family has requested that donations be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center in lieu of flowers. The family kindly asks for privacy during this time.
Joe, born Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1948, joined The Oak Ridge Boys as a tenor in 1973. His remarkable contribution to the group's success over the past 51 years includes over 30 top-five country hits, with nearly half reaching the top of the charts.
Joe leaves behind his loving wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. We extend our deepest condolences to the Bonsall family and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
#JoeBonsall Joe Bonsall death #theOakRidgeBoys
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[@buckreynolds1779]

I am 65 years old. RIP Joe.....yes sir Because he LIves............

[@ElsieLyn]

Amen 🙏

[@timmygilbert1371]

Amen .

[@catherinemoore2188]

Me too!❤️

[@justgoofingoff]

The Oaks and Statlers,, two great vocal groups that will never be replaced..

[@RedDevilMoto]

The Oaks,the Statlers and Alabama...growing up in the 70's and 80's was amazing for being there when the real country singers were still around

[@n1umj]

They can't even be matched. My whole life I've said those are the 2 best groups ever. Just their harmony is pure beautiful music in itself. That's what I grew up listening to and still to this day can't get enough.

[@r6343]

The Oaks and the Statlers. The best.

[@JasonNation72]

Oh, most definitely. They are a big part of my soundtrack growing up.

[@RedDevilMoto]

@@n1umj And groups like Alabama, Oak Ridge Boys and Statler Brothers used real harmony, never using 'auto-tune' or vocal enhancement. They can sound just as good accapella as they can with music behind them. Groups that had real vocal talent

[@achope40]

He's with his Lord and Saviour now! What a testamony.

[@krissyyoung9264]

Amen! Because He lives….and Joe believed it.

[@darrellinph2180]

Amen

[@bryanlb4987]

I love his comments on BECAUSE HE LIVES. Some years ago I had been injured in an accident. I couldn't work or do a lot of things with my children I loved. I tormented my wife. I don't know how she and the kids stuck with me. One thing I did was still go to church. I never listened but I went. One particular Sunday they sang BECAUSE HE LIVES. As I said, I never listened but suddenly these words rang out and then I CAN FACE TOMORROW changed my life around. RIP Joe. Loved you and the Oak Ridge Boys no matter what you sang.

[@jasonkraatz9574]

Wow this is a hard one to swallow. I grew up a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys. Joe had such a fantastic voice. Joe thank you for being such an inspiration. May you enjoy your peace and comfort with the Lord Almighty. Until we meet again sir. God Bless.

[@user-pp4ve6qo1b]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😛

[@jimshipp7776]

Yes, even his speaking voice is awesome & beautiful.

[@jaybrown5431]

I had the privilege of meeting Joe 2 or 3 times. He was as kind and nice as he seemed. RIP Joe.

[@Sheba-bh7lc]

In the mid 80’s my child was born and the hospital had a lottery for all new families to get a limousine ride home. We won! I couldn’t believe it! We walked out to the lobby and there was a red carpet and a chauffeur standing at attention. He then took care of my bags and everything. He told my husband and I that he had been driving around the Oak Ridge Boys and how nice they were. I felt very honored to be sitting in that beautiful limo where they had sat.

[@JohnH20111]

R.I.P. Mr. Bonsall, you will be missed by many

[@barbaracarlson1331]

My deep sympathy to his family and his musical family.

[@11UncleBooker22]

Part of the soundtrack of our lives. Thank you, sweet Lord, for Joe.

[@davidmccall4776]

My prayers are with Joe's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. My grandmother passed due to ALS in 1973, and it's a terrible way to go, but knowing that Joe was ready, and maybe even eager to leave should make his passing a little easier for all of us to bear. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5. RIP Joe, you've finally made it back home. ✝️

[@shawnduncan5779]

I was 9 and a half years old when I first heard the Oak Ridge Boys sing. I am almost 51 and I still like their music. It is really sad to hear that Joe Bonsall has passed away. I am sure that his memories and his music will live on forever

[@John-dy6bl]

I remember them from childhood too .

[@18winsagin]

A sad surprise. They were a part of my early life in the 70s 80s. I bought a pair of square toe tan boots, a western shirt and new jeans to wear to their concert in 77 at Busch Gardens, Virginia. It was so hot that day, but it was worth it. Thank you for the Everlasting memory, and I am happy that he knew Christ as his savior so I don't need to say rest in peace because he's resting in his promised mansion in the father's house where we're told there are many mansions.

[@maisies927]

They were a big part of my life as well since the 70s. I'm grateful music lives on forever.

[@pegallen6983]

The Oak Ridge Boys have been a huge part of my life. My daddy was a huge country music fan and introduced me to it at a very young age. I grew up listening and later watching the Boys every chance I got. The first cassette I ever bought with my own money was Ya'll Come Back Saloon with my allowance money that I had saved up until I could get it. RIP Joe Bonsall you will be remembered and missed. I'm off to watch me some of the boys throwing you into the Mississippi, Monongahela, or the Ohio and try to wash these tears away.

[@MelissaM.-jo8nz]

Rest in peace Joe you will be miss 😢❤ thoughts and prayers to Joe's family and friends

[@stevesherm260]

Who that clown 🤡 0:15

[@dannyhubert9477]

Rip buddy you will be missed love you myfiend

[@dtfg-33]

I have always loved The Oakridge Boys! Go Rest High On that Mountain now Joe Bonsall! Our sincere condolences to all of Mr. Bonsalls' family and friends ❤

[@pegallen6983]

@@stevesherm260 The clown is the one in the mirror every morning

[@LVGaryD1]

I thank the Lord for sharing Joe with us for so long. What a blessing it is to hear Joe singing gospel songs. He has moved me to tears many times with I Love To Tell The Story. 🙏🙏

[@ermancroney3805]

Well, I'm 71 and have enjoyed this group ever since I heard them the first time.To me, they were the best group out there. Joe was a great man we will miss.

[@briankady1456]

Rest in peace, Mr. Bonsall. Thank you for the music. Elvira is one of my favorite songs.

[@dungbeetle14]

I'm 62 years old. The Oak Ridge Boys have always been my favorite group. I saw them at the little Frankin Music Park in Georgia when I was in high school and went to several concerts there. I saw them at the University of Georgia. I always enjoyed singing all of the different parts. I could ALMOST reach down to Richard Sterban's bass and I could ALMOST reach up to Mr. Bonsall's high tenor. I served overseas in Zambia in the same country as Duane Allen's brother. I'm grateful for their long time, faithful Christian witness and fun they had on stage for so many years.

[@22lyric]

Awww. I know he's in a better place, but I wish he was well and still with his family! And with us!

[@lindafarrell8250]

Singing in the Heavenly Choir now! Well done! May God Bless and give peace and comfort to Joe Bonsall's family and friends and fans.

[@rogeradams2536]

Rest In Peace Joe.Thanks So Much for the Beautiful Music.💞

[@SandyD2022]

My Mom was in her 80's when she started going to concerts. She loved George Strait, and my Oakridge boys as she called them. She passed away about 7 years ago at the age of 93. When I heard about Joe, I called my sister, and told her that she has one of her boys with her. She said awww! I bet she asking him to sing. Sorry to hear about the ALS, we lost my brother Gary from ALS in 2019 and it is a horrible thing to died from.

[@charibellow2185]

My daughter was born multiple handicapped with seizures back in 1989. My favorite song from The Oakridge Boys was "Thank God for Kids". I cross-stitchd the words to that song and it hung over her bed till she passed away in January of 2008. This song was read at her funeral also. That song ment the world to me. RIP Mr. Joe. Love from Louisiana.

[@jesseshinn6857]

R.I.P Joe. I had the privilege seeing you and the rest of the Oak Ridge Boys in person on 2 occasions. You guys were Awesome

[@rickystutts6028]

GOD BLESS YOU JOE AND FAMILY , THANK YOU AND THE OAK RIDGE BOYS FOR SHARING YOUR MUSIC .

[@bernicebarnes3484]

I will say this....one of the best voices that I ever heard in my life...has passed into eternity! We will see him again soon someday with our hearts filled with joy and love as we will hear him sing again. I had all the Oak Ridge Boys tapes and played them often. I will miss him. R.I.P. Joe

[@debrasmall4315]

REST IN PEACE JOE. LOVED THE OAK RIDGE BOYS. PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND COMFORT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS 🕊🙏✝️

[@cyndabrooks4121]

R.I.P. Joe. I’ll never forget.

[@DawnLazarczyk]

Rest In Peace Joe

[@robertfortin1297]

What a huge loss to the music world. I have been a Oak Ridge Boys fan since I was a kid. I'm 56 years old now. Rest Easy Joe Bonsall your work on earth is done. God speed sir😢😢

[@timothyabrown56]

Yes Rest in his arms Joe… God Bless your family. Prayers and strength to The Oak Ridge Boys as well

[@user-pp4ve6qo1b]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😛

[@jameslester3861]

All the members of the Oak Ridge Boys are special in their own way but Mr. Bonsall always added a little extra sparkle to their performances.❤

[@txhuntsman]

Heaven added quite a voice to it's choir today.

[@stephaniecarter6997]

Yep! You better believe it! I loved growing up in a church where occasionally we would have a good old fashioned sing along with a men’s quartet and those are cherished memories. Rip Joe and God bless your family during this difficult time ❤

[@FYT5150]

🙏 I grew up on this band, Rest in peace and thank you

[@warrenburlingame1172]

Rest in peace you will never be forgotten

[@Fred-gi4uz]

RIP joe. Thank you and the boys for all the great music. I was introduced to your music by my dad, he loved your music so much.

[@kerriedurand4229]

I'm so glad I got the chance to see them last year I may only be in my 40s but I was raised listening to them and Elvira and the other hits from this fantastic band. RIP joe you will be missed.

[@taracolwart3663]

I am 49, grew up on the Oak Ridge Boys. Been texting back and forth with my siblings today reminiscing about their amazing songs, and our memories. My first concert was the Oak Ridge Boys at the Opry House.

[@LuAnnM-54]

One just never knows what lies ahead in a person's future and path, especially having an illness like ALS that so horribly robs the human body. I will alway's remember Joe as the energetic one of all the Oak Ridge Boy's, he brought the fun to the group each time they took the stage, the way he alway's bounced around. Thank You Joe, for all the joy you brought to your millions for fans. Sing on with the angel's and all the other great's that have gone on before you...

[@user-pi1zw4eo4r]

I'm 83 and 4 months from 84, Joe, it won't be long until I'll hear you sing in our heavenly home, RIP!

[@joannmetz4413]

What a wonderful testimony from Joe before he went home To his Lord and Savior. God bless his precious family for sharing him with us

[@Ragtop_Jalopy]

The memories! This man's voice was in every decade of my adult life...The Oak Ridge Boys were always songs I sung along with on the radio....good times and bad times, they were comforting and made me smile. Praise be to God for this man's life shared with joy and admiration over the years....Respect and overwhelming gratitude lingers....I'll miss that smile!!!

[@jrodmad4195]

I have had the opportunity and pleasure of seeing The Oakridge Boys live 17 times and was hoping for an 18th but that will now never be, but I have witnessed one of the greatest country groups of all time in The Oakridge Boys and Joe Bonsall was a large part of their legacy, it is a sad day for country music and its fans but we still have Joe Bonsall and yes Elvira songs to listen too on our radio, TV and all the phones and iPads and that is a blessing he left for us

[@chystubin07]

What a pure natural talent, RIP Mr Bonsall and God Bless!

[@urgdaddy]

Bless you my man! Love the voice. Will Remember. From a Banjo player to another.

[@user-tg8zo1rd5w]

We have always loved the Oakridge Boys. Going to Laughlin Riverside every year. And playing Elvira ( which we named our puppy). God Bless you all. and Joe, until we meet again…💕🤗🙏🏻🎼

[@joeannpenn8181]

I’ve loved the Oak River boys for many years, I’ve seen them in concert many times. The last time was in Kennewick, Washington.their Christmas special. A gift for my birthday. Such a special night. Rest in peace my brother, sing with the Angels. Much love

[@13ECHO20]

My favorite song he sang was "G.I. Joe and Lilly". A song about his mom and dad. That was one of a few songs that brought tears to my eyes, May the Heavenly Host comfort his family, knowing Joe is gaining his reward. (If you're an atheist, please, don't bother commenting about your non-belief.)

[@ElvisChick-if9nc]

My sincere condolences & deepest sympathy to his Family & The Oak Ridge Boys! Rip 😢😇🪽🙏✝️🕊️🌹

[@dormayoung]

I remember the Oak Ridge Boys as a gospel group when I was growing up. Got to see them several times. Joe will be missed. Prayers for his family and friends ❤

[@EC-mc7vg]

I'm 60 and grew up listening to the Oak Ridge Boys. So many memories of them and their great music. Thank you Joe, R.I.P. brother.

[@Cynthia-ht8ld]

My sister Judy and I saw the Oak Ridge Boys 3 years in a row, at the Grandstand at the Minnesota state fair, in the late 80s.

[@cards0486]

Oh!! I just saw this. I didn’t know Joe had passed. He was “My Oak”! His energy, personality, that tenor voice! I listen to ELVIRA a lot because Joe sings every verse, solo. He was so sweet. He posted on Twitter often, and if you commented he often would reply to fans. First, Duane’s wife. Then, William Lee’s son…so very sad over their heartbreaking losses. But Joe…he’s OUR loss. When I get to Heaven, I’m going to keep looking until I hear THAT tenor in the heavenly choir. Rest, Joe. No more pain. Only joy. Loved you…LOVE you, and always will. 😢💔

[@JCourts2k23]

Awww, i had no idea he passed, RIP Joe. Such a beautiful person and singer and kind soul. Go rest high on that ridge, your work on earth is done.

[@JasonNation72]

He seemed like a nice gentleman. RIP Joe, God bless you.

[@carlie22168]

Blessed be his memory. I am so glad that my mother and sister saw the Oak Ridge Boys in St Cloud MN. Blessed be his memory.

[@johnevans1969]

Blessings to the Family, I enjoyed his Beautiful voice since I was a young man. Glorious singing going on up yonder, we will all gather soon. ❤ Rejoice and give thanks 😊

[@RickHuntrodsSanJuanSilverton]

I have been a fan of The Oaks since the first time I heard them back in the 70s. R.I.P. Joe. You will be greatly missed.

[@sandyjenkins3077]

My dad was a gospel preacher for over 50 years. He loved "Because He Lives". After he passed away, we found his hymn book marked on "Because He Lives". We had it sang at his funeral. I have his songbook...still marked on that song.

[@brendadickenson3547]

He was a blessing to us. What a voice, but now God has him in his glorious choir!

[@earldonaldson1427]

The Soul , The Everlasting Life , Has Found A Better Day ! Thanks for your music Joe .

[@janiecallaham7647]

So sad to hear this news 😢. They have been on my top ten groups of all time! RIP Mr. Bonsall 🙏

[@tonyaeheman2499]

I love The Oak Ridge Boys, they are a big part of my life, to his family, friends and fans l send my condolences, may Joe Rest In Peace 😢🙏

[@russty5692]

Saw the Oaks when I was in college many years ago, and they still never cease to amaze years later. Joe is reunited with GI Joe and Lily. RIP!!!

[@Pipeline-ll2rd]

Grew up listening to the Oak Ridge Boys, love their music. Rest in peace Joe

[@rhondacribbs5727]

I grew up listening to Country Music with Oak Ridge Boys being my favorite!! My 1st boyfriend took me to one of their concerts in an auditorium at a university near where I lived!! I.immediately fell in love with that young man and even at the age of 70 I am still in love with him!! Never married him because our.lives took very different paths but I still love him in my own way!! That concert was over 50 years ago!!! RIP to a great legend!

[@brianhumphrey6791]

My grandma had ALS she had it for 10 years. It took her from me & I still miss her dearly!

[@suefinney6722]

R.I.P. Joe and God Bless you for your singing, the kind man you are and how you share your faith is unremarkable.

[@matthewfarmer2520]

Rest in peace 🕊️ Joe Bonsall 🙏

[@yayac6503]

Rest in peace Joe thank you for all the music you played and your memory on this earth will never be forgotten until we meet again🙏🏻❤️

[@Judey63]

I remember hearing The Oak Ridge Boys for the first time with their song Elvira! It was such a hit & I fell in love with their music. Rest In Peace Joe & my deepest condolences to his family & friends 🙏🏻

[@arthouston7361]

That's why I will see Joe again...because He lives.

[@davidlaue8225]

Go rest high upon that mountain, son your work here on earth is done Go to heaven and a shoutin, love for our father and his son.....RIP Joe

[@dbeazrn3934]

RIP Joe….Such an iconic artist as I grew up in the 70s, graduating from HS in 1980. The Oak Ridge Boys crossed music genres and we all sang along with the group “Elvira” and “Bobby Sue,” laughing as we had competitions over who could hit those high notes with Joe. Fun times. Prayers for your family and loved ones. You will be sorely missed. 💔🙏🏼🙏🏼💔

[@NashBashy]

LOVE. What a great video tribute to him. He was always so spunky. Missed, but not forgotten. Thanks for 51 wonderful years of entertaining us in a GREAT way. Can't wait to sing beside you praising the Lord in our real Home one day. Won't that be special. "Because He Lives, We Praise You Here." Ya better start working on those lyrics. ;-) Praying for the family -- may Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit comfort your souls in these days of such significant loss in your lives. RIP. Joe Bonsall.

[@jackiesunderman684]

I was a young girl when they brought me up on the stage during one of their concerts, I will forever cherish that memory! 🌹

[@Randa-tv9pm]

RIP Joe; You’re a great man; My parents and I saw you and the quartet ( Oak Ridge Boys) at The Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood , NJ on March 7,2019 ! A very great concert, We didn’t want the show to end , it was exciting !

[@gillmapn]

Love you Joe. You were an amazing artist and still are. I have loved the Oak Ridge boys since I was a youngen so sorry to hear of you having ALS, you retirement from the road and now your passing. I was able to see all of you in Orillia, Ontario Canada several years ago. What a blessing. Much love

[@rebeccachrist2080]

Oh this just breaks my heart! I absolutely LOVED the Oak Ridge Boys, especially “Elvira”! That was my daddy’s favorite and he’d play it every chance he got! I know he is just so happy to see Joe there! Thank you, Oak Ridge Boys! You all are just awesome!!

[@reneecarter6702]

Joe is gone!? 😩💔 he was a major part of my childhood

[@tonijstme8180]

Say it ain't so Joe.... God truly needed his "tenor in chief" back home to lead his choir ❤😢❤❤ Oak Ridge Boys will never be the same, But "I'll be true to you"! Dream on sweet Joe Bonsal, Thank "you" for all your gifts shared... we shall miss "Beautiful You"!! ❤

[@dianewilliams9729]

What a great voice! Saw him in person several times. Great performer!

[@rolfsvensson5777]

I met JOE in person! What a nice man! RIP~

[@yayac6503]

Rest in peace Joe thank you for all the music you played and your memory on this earth will never be forgotten until we meet again🙏🏻❤️ awesome tribute job well done .

[@n1umj]

RIP Joe, thanks for the music. I've listened to you guys my whole life and have no intentions of stopping, you will live on in the hearts and memories of so many.

[@isabelladavis1363]

Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with us we have been blessed love peace and healing for the family ❤️

[@barbaramoodyletson65]

Seeing Joe on stage was amazing his energy he had so much energy because he was never steel and always had that big smile on his face. He was amazing. He will be missed and I know he is well loved thoughts and prayers to the family and his loved ones Joe you will be missed that upbeat

[@susanturner4526]

Prayers for Joe's family.

[@ellejames3424]

Always liked his gifted voice and their “real-clean” songs. Because He Lives was a favorite!

[@laurastradley4621]

Sad to here. I met Duane Allen years ago in Paris, Tx. He and my aunt n uncle went to the same church. The three of them had a gospel music radio program Saturday mornings in Paris. They had the best harmony. RIP JOE. ❤

[@sarahwilliams3250]

Thinking of his family, I have enjoyed his music for years..

[@moricey4776]

I have always enjoyed this band. Amen 🙏 🇺🇸🫵🏻💕🌹

[@markive9907]

Rip Joe I’ll meet you in heaven 🙏❤️👍

[@georgehouse4747]

What a Gift he was to us All❤..may he Rest in peace...but forever know. "He Lives" and Now in Heven❤

[@ivanpainter357]

MR JOE WAS TRUE GENTLEMAN A WONDERFUL LOVING SPIRIT BUT NOW HE,S SINGING FOR THE ALMIGHTY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER I FEEL FOR THE FAMILY LOSS BUT HE MADE OUR LIFE BETTER I.LL MISS YOU JOE IVAN FROM ILLINOIS.

[@RicG.]

Prayers for all his friends and family. May he R.I.P. 🙏 ♥

[@postingid3214]

R.I.P., sir. Thank you for the music over the decades! I love this statement (at the 2:10 mark in the video): "...and we will see him again on the Promised Day."

[@lyngruen8607]

"If you saw the size of the blessing coming, you would understand the magnitude of the battle you are fighting." Joe shines the LOVE and LIGHT of Jesus WHEREVER HE GOES☝️💖 See you again ONE DAY SOON, JOE. Texas Nana Psalm 91

[@donnaworley4518]

I'm so sorry to his family, friends, and second family The Oak Ridge Boys if your loss. Sending Prayers 🙏🙏🙏 RIP Joe.

[@ronaldcowan9321]

Thank you Joe Bonsall for the great music. Rest in peace. 😢

[@mcneillmama50]

Loved his voice&testimony on The country roads shows and Larry's country diner

[@gar9429]

Such a good singer!