It’s been an incredibly challenging year for the Oak Ridge Boys. They’ve lost several family and band members along the way, and it’s all becoming overwhelming for Oak Ridge Boys singer William Lee Golden.
In a Facebook post, he shared the obituary for the late Joe Bonsall, simply captioning it, “Sadness Continues.” Bonsall’s passing came just days after William Lee Golden lost his son Rusty. It’s one of the hardest things he’s ever faced. He expressed, “This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face. I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I love you, son.”
Meanwhile, Duane Allen also shared his thoughts on Rusty’s passing.
He wrote, “Rusty and I had many conversations. I was telling him that the first album I recorded with the Oak Ridge Boys was in this same studio in 1966. Rusty was like another son to me. I loved him as my own. Rusty was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. He had an electric personality that lit up any room he walked into. He’s gone too soon.”
The hardships have been relentless for Duane Allen, who also lost his wife, Norah Lee, on Easter morning. It’s been an emotionally difficult time for him. The Oak Ridge Boys shared a message about her passing, saying:
“This morning, my wife of 54 years and 8 months took her last breath of air on Earth. Norah Lee went to be with Jesus at 7:28 a.m. on Easter morning. She had been unwell for some time. Her family spent the night with her at Vanderbilt Hospital, singing to her, telling her stories, and cherishing every moment we had with her on Earth.”
Fans of the Oak Ridge Boys are expressing concern about how much more the band can endure. One fan wrote, “I don’t know how much more you guys can take, my brother.” Another fan commented, “We are so very sorry, William. You’ve been blessed with so much in this life, both in your family and in The Oaks family. During this sorrowful time, we hope the joy of their memory and the spirit of their precious souls will surround and comfort you in the coming days. May God be with you every moment. That is our prayer. Sending love.”