Joe Bonsall, singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, has died of ALS at the age of 76

Joe Bonsalllongtime member of the country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday, July 9. He was 76 years old.

The Grammy winner died from the neuromuscular disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to a statement from representatives of his family.

“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,” said a statement on Bonsall’s official website announcing his death. “But Jesus and his family always came first – and we will see him again on the promised day.”

Bonsall was a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for nearly 50 years and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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Months before his death, Bonsall announced his withdrawal from the Oak Ridge Boys’ ongoing farewell tour due to increasing health problems and lack of mobility.

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset neuromuscular disorder for over 4 years,” he wrote on X in January. “I’m now at the point where I can’t walk anymore so I’ve basically retired from touring. It’s just become too difficult. … @oakridgeboys will finish the farewell tour without me but rest assured I’m getting through it all just fine! God has it under control!!!”

In addition to his successful music career, Bonsall has authored 11 books, including his forthcoming memoir entitled I see myselfwhich will be released in November.

At Bonsall’s request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, his family also asked for donations to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

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Shortly after Bonsall’s death was confirmed, many in the music industry expressed their condolences and fond memories of the singer.

“We lost the great Joe Bonsall of the @oakridgeboys and country music is crying today,” Jon Rich of Big and Rich wrote about X. “Joe was a true friend and someone I looked up to not only as an artist but as a human being. He left behind a legacy of incredible music and endless accounts of his generosity. #RIPJoeBonsall.”

Lee Greenwood added: “Joe and I talked on the road, sometimes before and sometimes after a concert, about the crowd, the music and who we are as Americans. My family is praying for the Bonsall family and the Oak Ridge Boys. We will miss you, Joe!”