long-time member of the Oak Ridge Boys was 76

Joe Bonsall, author and longtime member of the Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, has died. He was 76 years old.

The tenor singer died on July 9 from the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS, according to a press release issued by Weekly entertainment.

Per Bonsall’s wishes, there will be no funeral, but donations may be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

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Bonsall’s death came less than seven months after he announced on social media that he would retire from touring with the vocal quartet due to a “neuromuscular disorder” that he had been battling privately for over four years.

“I’m at the point now where I can’t walk anymore, so I’ve basically retired from touring,” he said at the time. “It’s just become too difficult. It’s been a great 50 years and I’m grateful to the entire band and staff of the Oak Ridge Boys for the constant love and support they’ve given me throughout it all.”

Joseph S. Bonsall was born in Philadelphia in 1948. He began singing at the age of four and later “fell in love” with the harmonies of Southern Gospel music as a teenager, according to the group’s website. In October 1973, he joined the Oak Ridge Boys and over the next few decades, along with bandmates Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, played the Southern Gospel group’s biggest hits – including “Elvira” (1981), “Bobbie Sue” (1982) and “American Made” (1983).

The long-running band, which announced its farewell tour last September, has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame over the years. Bonsall, who was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, was also inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

In addition to his contributions to music, Bonsall was also a prolific author, writing 11 books, including his forthcoming memoir I see myselfwhich is due to hit bookstores in November.

The singer’s death is the latest tragedy for the band this year. On July 4, it was announced that William “Rusty” Golden, son of William Lee Golden, had died at the age of 65. “This is the worst thing a father can ever go through,” his father said in a statement to EW at the time. “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 in the days ahead. I love you, son.”

On Easter, the band also announced that Duane Allen’s wife, singer Norah Lee Allen, had died at the age of 76. In a second social media post, the band announced that Duane Allen’s wife Donna had also lost her father on the same day.

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. His family is requesting privacy at this time.