Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys, has been enduring a profound period of mourning following the death of his wife, Norah Lee Allen, on March 31, 2024. She passed away at 7:28 a.m. on Easter Sunday after a prolonged illness. Duane shared the news with fans, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers he and his family received during her final days. He described spending her last night singing to her and sharing stories, cherishing every moment they had together .
Norah Lee Allen was a talented vocalist who graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for over 40 years. She began her musical journey in Bowling Green, Kentucky, singing with her sisters in The Stuart Sisters Trio from a young age. In 1968, she joined the Chuck Wagon Gang, a renowned country gospel group, before marrying Duane in 1969. She became a full-time member of The Oak Ridge Boys in 1980, contributing to their rich harmonies and enduring success .
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In the wake of her passing, Duane has found solace in music. He recently appeared at Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina at Nudie’s Honky Tonk, where he joined Tucker on stage to perform the classic song “Delta Dawn.” Fans were moved to see Duane smiling and engaging with the audience, a testament to his resilience and the healing power of music during times of grief.
The Oak Ridge Boys also paid tribute to Norah Lee Allen on their social media platforms, describing her as “the sweetest soul that any of us have ever known” and expressing their collective sorrow at her passing .
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As Duane continues to navigate this challenging chapter, he remains a beloved figure in country music, supported by the enduring legacy of his wife and the comfort of his musical family.