Son of the Oak Ridge Boys singer who died at the age of 65: “We are grateful for … prayers”

Published: July 10, 2024

Son of Oak Ridge Boys singer dies at age 65: “I appreciate your … prayers”

By Movieguide® Contributor

William Lee Golden, a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, just announced the tragic death of his son William “Rusty” Golden. He was 65 years old.

“This is the hardest thing a father can ever go through,” the musician said 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 in the days ahead. I love you son.”

In a tweet, Golden thanked fans for their “love and support” and asked for “privacy for our family during this difficult time.”

Members of the musical community have expressed their sadness over Rusty’s death.

“The Daniels family is saddened to hear of the passing of ‘Rusty’ Golden, son of our friend William Lee Golden of the @oakridgeboys,” the family of the late Charlie Daniels posted on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Golden family. Rest in peace Rusty. – CD Jr., Chelsea and Hazel Daniels.”

Singer Dale Houston wrote: “We love your entire family and can only imagine the loss you are all feeling. Thank God we have the promise that we will all be together again. In the meantime, you are all in our prayers and we are just a phone call away. God bless you.”

Rusty began his musical career early, playing drums with the Rambos at age 13. After seeing Elton John in concert, he switched from drums to piano, and by age 17 he was touring with Larry Gatlin as the band’s piano player.

In the 1980s, he co-founded the Boys Band and received a gold record from the RIAA for his songwriting work on the Oak Ridge Boys album. Bobbie Sue. Rusty then joined forces with Marc Speer and began making gospel music with Rusty’s brother Chris. The project was put on hold, but Rusty and Chris continued making gospel music.

He wrote gospel songs for other artists, including “What Salvation’s Done for Me” for The Booth Brothers and “I Want to Thank You” for Karen Peck & New River. Rusty also released two solo albums, including Angelin which his faith was the focus.

“Until the Lord calls me from this world to the next, I want to make it clear that I believe in Jesus Christ as the true Lord and Savior,” Rusty said of his faith. “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was sacrificed on the cross, died for our sins and rose again. HE loves us.”

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