Death of legendary singer shocks country music world: “My heart is broken”

The country music world is praying for the Oak Ridge Boys, whose longtime member Joe Bonsall died on Tuesday.

Bonsall died at the age of 76 from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

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The band published an obituary on their account X (formerly Twitter) announcing his death.

“Joe was a member of the American musical group The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, a member of the Grand Ole Opry and an inductee 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,” the post said.

You can see this post and the replies here.

Heartbroken fans quickly responded with prayers and well wishes.

“I’m really sorry to hear this,” one person wrote. “Have seen the Oaks many times over the years and Joe always put on a great performance. He was funny and got the crowd involved. This really makes me sad. Rest in peace and condolences to his family.”

“My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the band and family. He will certainly be missed,” he continued. “We know he is in heaven singing from the bottom of his heart.”

“My heart is broken,” wrote another. “Prayers for his family, his fellow musicians and all who loved him. #RIPJoeBonsall.”

Bonsall finished touring with the band in January.

“I’m at the point now where I can’t walk anymore, so I’ve basically retired from touring,” he reportedly said. “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 that time. I’ll never forget that and to those of you who have constantly supported me in prayer, I’m thinking of you and asking you to keep praying.”

After this initial announcement, he returned to social media to address his fans.

“I’m overwhelmed by the love I’ve been shown this week,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I think I’ve heard from everyone I’ve ever known and many, many more….Thank you doesn’t seem adequate…but THANK YOU.”