Oak Ridge Boys singer Duane Allen is openly sharing the profound grief he’s experiencing after the death of his wife of nearly 55 years, Norah Lee Allen. In a heartfelt social media update on Friday, April 26, Allen expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, while also acknowledging the raw, enduring pain of his loss.
“I am so humbled and honored that you are here,” Allen began his Facebook post, before delving into the emotional devastation of losing a spouse. He described his “big old home” as being “filled with memories of everything that she put there. Our home was her castle.”
Norah Lee Allen passed away on March 31, Easter Sunday, after an illness and hospitalization at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Tragically, on the same day, Oak Ridge Boy Richard Sterban’s wife Donna also lost her father.
Duane Allen recounted asking a family friend for a deep cleaning of their home, an effort to preserve the cherished memories within its walls. “It is so hard sifting through all of the memories … but now, there is only me to enjoy it,” he shared, highlighting the solitude he now faces.
Norah Lee Allen was a highly accomplished singer in her own right, becoming a full-time member of the Grand Ole Opry band in 1980. As a sought-after background vocalist, she performed with numerous country music legends and contemporary artists, both on stage and in the studio.
Allen revealed that a thorough organizing of their home is underway with family. He shared a poignant anecdote: “There are times when I just break down when I find a drawer with enough money that the kids always had money to by (sic) lunch at school.” This discovered money, he noted, will now go to their grandchildren.
The singer concluded his emotional message by affirming the depth of his loss. “I have had a hard time even finishing sentences without crying since I lost the most beautiful lady I ever met, the love of my life. I am so thankful to God almighty for letting me share her for 54 years and 8 months of the happiest years of my life.”
Despite his profound personal grief, Duane Allen has continued performing with The Oak Ridge Boys, who have played a handful of dates on their American Made Tour since Norah Lee Allen’s death. Their upcoming shows are scheduled for this weekend in West Virginia and Kentucky.