William Lee Golden Faces Unimaginable Grief After Losing Son Rusty and Bandmate Joe Bonsall
William Lee Golden, a cornerstone of the country music scene and a member of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, is enduring a profound wave of grief following two devastating losses in a short span.
On July 1, Golden faced the hardest moment a father can experience: the death of his beloved son, Rusty Golden. Rusty was not only William Lee’s son but also an accomplished musician and a cherished part of their musical lineage. His passing leaves an immeasurable void.
“This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face,” William Lee Golden shared in a statement. “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 for the days ahead. I love you son.”
Just days later, on July 9, William Lee Golden received another heartbreaking blow with the passing of his longtime bandmate and dear friend, Joe Bonsall. Together with Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, and William Lee Golden himself, Joe formed The Oak Ridge Boys, a legendary quartet renowned for their distinctive harmonies and timeless hits on stages worldwide. Joe’s loss resonates deeply not only within the band’s extensive fan base but also throughout the tight-knit country music community.
William Lee Golden expressed his profound sadness on social media, sharing a photo of Joe Bonsall with the caption: “Sadness continues. This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son Rusty Golden and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years Joe Bonsall. Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family.”
For William Lee Golden, these are not just professional losses but deeply personal ones. The passing of both Rusty and Joe Bonsall has left a significant void in his heart that fame or success cannot heal. Yet, amidst this immense grief, there is the enduring legacy of love and music that inextricably binds them. The Oak Ridge Boys have weathered numerous storms throughout their career, and now, more than ever, their bond will be profoundly tested.
May William Lee Golden find strength in the cherished memories of Rusty and Joe, in the powerful music they created together, and in the unwavering support of his bandmates, friends, and fans worldwide during this incredibly difficult time.