Following the news that Bonsall passed away on Tuesday, July 9 at the age of 76 due to complications from ALS, heartfelt tributes began pouring in — and Blake Shelton’s message stood out for its sincerity and warmth.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s passing,” Blake shared on social media, alongside a nostalgic photo from their 2016 performance together. “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.” He closed with words that struck a chord across the country music world: “We all lost a special person today.”
Joe Bonsall had recently retired from touring earlier this year to focus on his health. His passing comes not long after the loss of Rusty Golden, son of fellow Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, making this an especially heavy time for the legendary group.
A proud Oak Ridge Boys member since 1973, Bonsall’s vibrant voice and infectious energy helped drive the group’s success on hits like “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” Over his remarkable career, he was inducted into numerous halls of fame — including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry — a reflection of the impact he made both on stage and off.
As the country community continues to grieve, fellow stars are also sharing their memories. Trace Adkins remembered Joe as “one of the kindest people I ever met… a rock star and a wonderful human being.” Travis Tritt called him “amazingly talented with a wonderful personality,” while Kyle Young of the Country Music Hall of Fame noted that Joe’s “tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy.”
Joe Bonsall leaves behind his loving wife Mary, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren — and a legacy that will continue to echo through every harmony and every heart he touched.
