Joe Bonsall, longtime singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, dies at the age of 76

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Joe Bonsall, the long-time singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday from the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 76 years old.

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Bonsall’s family shared the news and paid tribute to the artist’s love of music.

“Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play the banjo. He loved to work 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,” they wrote.

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The Philadelphia native At the beginning of the year, he announced his retirement from touring because his battle with ALS, the Is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle weakness worsens.

“Many of you know that I have been battling a slow-onset neuromuscular disorder for over four years. I’m now at the point where I can’t walk, so I’ve basically retired from the streets,” he said. PEOPLE in January. “It’s just become too difficult. It’s been a great 50 years and I’m grateful to the entire band crew and staff of the Oak Ridge Boys for the constant love and support they’ve given me throughout.”

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Bonsall added: “I will never forget it and to those of you who have continually supported me with your prayers, I thank you and ask you to continue to pray for me.”

In addition to his 50-year membership in the Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was part of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

Bonsall was also a prolific author, writing 11 books, including his last, an autobiography entitled I see myselfwhich will be released in November.

“In I see myself“Joe Bonsall reflects on the contrasts and forks in his life,” says a press release for the upcoming book. “From growing up in inner-city Philadelphia to sitting on the porch of his log cabin in rural Tennessee. From being a teenager in a street gang to devoting himself to Christ at a youth camp. From working as a short-order cook to headlining sold-out arenas. And now – from running around the stage at night to being disabled by a neuromuscular disorder that has robbed him of his mobility. Despite the changing circumstances in Joe’s life, however, two things have not changed. His unwavering faith in God. And his ability to inspire others.”

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Last December, Bonsall compared his career as part of the Oak Ridge Boys to an “amazing phenomenon” that had “taken on a life of its own.”

New band member Ben James talked about what it was like to perform the band’s hit Elvira next to Bonsall.

“Joe handed me the microphone and said, ‘You have the next verse.’ And I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that moment.” Elvira was always on repeat when I was growing up. It’s still one of those timeless songs that never gets old,” said James in a press release (via USA today).

Bonsall leaves behind his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandchildren, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy.

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