The Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall Passes Away at 76

Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away this morning, July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. His full name was Joseph S. Bonsall and he resided in Hendersonville, Tennessee. 

Bonsall passed away due to complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

According to a press release, he is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina; granddaughter, Breanne; grandson, Luke; two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey; and his sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.

Joe Bonsall was a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Bonsall, an author of 11 books, will release his latest work, a memoir titled I See Myself, this November. Joe had a passion for singing, reading, writing, and playing the banjo. He cherished working on the farm and was a devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan. However, above all, his faith in Jesus and his love for his family were paramount in his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Earlier this year, Bonsall announced plans to retire from touring with The Oak Ridge Boys to focus on his health. 

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road,” he stated. 

The singer truthfully admitted that touring has “gotten too difficult.” He later reflected on his five-decade run as part of the award-winning group. 

“It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying,” he shared.

Bonsall was replaced by Ben James (Doyle Lawson, Dailey & Vincent) for the remainder of The Oak Ridge Boys’ farewell tour. 

“There is a young man named Ben James singing for me out there, and he needs your love and encouragement … his sound is different than mine, but he brings a ton of talent to the table,” Bonsall said at the time. “The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”

The Oak Ridge Boys have tour dates planned throughout the rest of 2024.