Blake Shelton reacts to the death of Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys

Blake Shelton mourns the loss of his good friend and musical companion Joe Bonsall. The long-time member of the Oak Ridge Boys died on July 9, 2024 at the age of 50 from the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

After learning the heartbreaking news, Shelton took to social media to reflect on the singer’s legacy. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall. I NEVER saw Joe any other way than smiling and full of life.” The voice Alum wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “He loved singing like no one I’ve ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys Brothers. We all lost a special person today.”

More: Find out which coach holds the record for most wins The voice

Bonsall was a member of the Southern gospel group for over 50 years, and the quartet collaborated with Shelton on his 2016 hit single “Doing It to Country Songs.” The musician’s death came less than seven months after he announced his retirement from the Oak Ridge Boys on Instagram. “Many of you know that I have been battling a slow-onset neuromuscular disease for over four years,” he wrote in a statement. “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. It’s been a great 50 years and I’m grateful to all of the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew and staff for the constant love and support they’ve shown me throughout it all.”

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

Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, replacing Ben James as the tenor vocalist. He played a major role in the group’s development, contributing to their distinctive sound and helping them achieve mainstream success with hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” Bonsall and his bandmates were eventually inducted into the prestigious Grand Ole Opry, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Philadelphia native was also inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

In addition to Shelton, several other country stars dedicated tributes to Bonsall, including the other members of the Oak Ridge Boys. “Joe could do anything he set his mind to, but what impressed me most was the energy, love and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift for conveying those emotions and feelings in every performance, every song and every book,” Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys said in a statement. “Joe was ‘the’ best friend every person wants to have in their life.”

More: The *one* thing that would make Blake Shelton come back The voice

In his own statement, Richard Stern said: “Joe was my best friend for many years. We knew each other long before we both became members of the Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person who was loved by everyone and a true inspiration to all of us.” The group’s manager, Jim Halsey, also spoke out, calling Bonsall an “inspiration” to “fans, friends and family.” He added: “Especially to me for 52 years. This is a very difficult day.”

Bonsall leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann Bonsall; his daughters Jennifer Stevens and Sabrina Carver; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Per his wishes, Bonsall will not have a funeral, but he asks that donations be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Further information The voiceCheck out our ranking of winning trainers.