Here’s an article based on the provided text about the passing of Joe Bonsall:
Joe Bonsall, Beloved Oak Ridge Boys Tenor, Dies at 76 After ALS Battle
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Joe Bonsall, a cherished lead member of the iconic Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away at the age of 76 following complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Fox News Digital has confirmed. A celebrated member of both the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bonsall’s death marks a profound loss for the country and gospel music communities.
Bonsall’s passing comes six months after he announced his retirement from touring due to his declining health. In January, the tenor shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
He reflected fondly on his extensive career, stating, “It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all.” He also expressed deep gratitude to his fans, adding, “I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on their farewell tour. Bonsall had previously been seen performing from atop a stool, a testament to his dedication despite his health challenges.
The country and gospel group, originally founded as The Oak Ridge Quartet in 1943, has seen many members over its long history. The most successful and widely recognized foursome consisted of baritone William Lee Golden, tenor Bonsall, bass Richard Sterban, and lead vocalist Duane Allen, particularly during their heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.
Tragically, Bonsall’s death follows another recent loss for the group, as William Lee Golden’s son, Rusty Golden, passed away last week at the age of 65.
A press release about Bonsall’s life highlighted his diverse talents and passions beyond music. The singer was “also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled ‘I See Myself,’ which releases in November. Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
In lieu of a funeral, Bonsall had requested that donations be made to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and his sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.
The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.