Blake Shelton is “heartbroken” over the death of Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall and says: “We have lost a special person.”

BLAKE Shelton mourned the death of his friend Joe Bonsall with a touching tribute.

Joe was part of the country and gospel band The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2024.

On Tuesday, Blake, 48, shared a photo of himself singing on stage with the Oak Ridge Boys.

The exact date and location of the photo are unknown.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall,” he wrote in his Instagram stories.

“I NEVER saw Joe when he wasn’t smiling and full of life.”

“He loved singing like no one I’ve ever met,” Blake continued.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and @theoakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today.”

In 2016, Blake released the song “Doing It” on Country Songs feat. The Oak Ridge Boys.

REST IN PEACE

Joe died on July 9 at the age of 76.

His cause of death was complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s syndrome.

ALS is an incurable neuromuscular disease that affects the voluntary muscles in the body.

The singer shared his diagnosis with his fans in January 2024 after battling the disease for four years.

Joe had a wife named Mary Ann, two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Joseph is also the author of eleven books, including his latest, an autobiography entitled I See Myself, which will be published in November,” said a press release from a Bonsall family spokesman.

“Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play the banjo.”

I NEVER saw Joe when he wasn’t smiling and full of life.

Blake Shelton

“He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first – and we will see him again on the promised day,” the statement continued.

When his diagnosis was announced, Joe announced his retirement from the band.

TIME WITH THE BAND

In addition to Joe, the Oak Ridge Boys also include William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Duane Allen.

The band’s most famous songs include “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”

The Oak Ridge Boys won five Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

None of the remaining members are the original band members.

The group was founded by Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler and Little Johnny New.

The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on their “American Made: The Farwell” tour, which runs through December 8th.