**Joe Bonsall, Longtime Member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Has Died**
Joe Bonsall, a beloved and long-standing member of the iconic Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away.
Bonsall had been with the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, retiring in January 2024. He cited health problems as the reason for his retirement, stating:
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow-onset (over 4 years now) neuromuscular disorder. I have now reached a point where walking has become impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just become too difficult. It has been a wonderful 50 years, and I am grateful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band, crew, and staff for their constant love and support through it all. I will never forget this, and to those of you who have continually held me up in prayer, I thank you and ask that you continue to pray.”
After his retirement, singer Ben James took over Bonsall’s role during the Oak Ridge Boys’ final tour.
**Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys Dies on July 9**
Joe Bonsall, pictured far left with the Oak Ridge Boys during a 2021 performance for Country Rebel, sadly passed away just a few months after his retirement. A press release confirmed that the Grand Ole Opry member died on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 76.
“Joseph S. Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease,” the press release stated. “He leaves behind his precious 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.”
Bonsall’s death comes just eight days after the Oak Ridge Boys faced another tragic loss with the passing of Rusty Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, who died on July 1 at the age of 65.
The Oak Ridge Boys, including Bonsall, are members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to his career with the Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall authored 11 books throughout his life. A new memoir, titled *I See Myself*, is set to be released in November.
Outside of music, Bonsall was passionate about working on the farm, playing the banjo, cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies, and spending time with his family. He was also deeply devoted to his Christian faith.
**Remembering Joe Bonsall**
At Bonsall’s request, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may donate to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Bonsall, along with the Oak Ridge Boys, visited Country Rebel in 2021, where they performed their hit song “Elvira” to celebrate its 40th anniversary. You can remember him by watching that performance below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonsall’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.