Joe Bonsall The Oak Ridge Boys' star cause of death and tributes

Joe Bonsall, the tenor in The Oak Ridge Boys sadly passed away on Tuesday aged 76, in Hendersonville, Tenn. (July 9) from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease that damages nerve cells and connections that are necessary to control muscles for movements such as walking, talking and breathing. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis.
Following Joe Bonsall death, The Oak Ridge Boys and his family announced on website and social media accounts.
The statement reads,
Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write,” the statement read. “He loved to play banjo. 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 continues:
"Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult." The statement ends.
At the beginning of the year. Bonsall announced his retirement from touring after his health has worsen but despite his absence, the group honoured him by continuing their farewell tour.
Joe Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, after leaving the Keystones. The group, originally formed in the 1940s, enjoyed major success in the 1980s with hits like "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," and "American Made." "Elvira" became a massive crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bonsall, a member for 50 years, was known for his energetic performances and clear tenor voice. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame. Kyle Young of the Country Music Hall of Fame praised Bonsall as the "sparkplug" of the group, who always energized audiences.
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; sister Nancy; granddaughter Breanne; grandson Luke; and great grandsons, Chance and Grey.
Following Joe Bonsall many have payed tribute, John Rich of country music duo Big & Rich shared a remembrance on X. Country music is crying today,” he wrote. “Joe was a real friend, and someone I looked up to not only as an artist, but as a man. He’s left a legacy of incredible music, and endless accounts of his kind heartedness.”
Country musician Travis Tritt also posted a tribute to Bonsall on X, writing, “Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.”
We send our deepest condolences to Joe's family and we request you to give them prayers.
#JoeBonsall #JoeBonsalldeath #theOakRidgeBoys
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[@sandyRndisco1]

Oh no….The Oak Ridge Boys will never be the same without Joe Bonsall. I saw him in concert had front row seat. He came up to me and shook my hand several times along with the other members. He was such a nice man the whole group was and they played their number one hit songs! They ended the concert singing “Elvira.” In fact we were the last ones out because we were so close to the stage I was able to set my phone up on the stage while I was dancing and swaying back & forth to their music! They came out after the concert & talked to us the lead singer to Exile who is best know for the hit song "I Want To Kiss You All Over" is married to the lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys so we also got their autograph! I was so close I got great pictures too! What a great loss to Classic Country Music. It seems like we are losing all the Great Ones. Awe....now this really makes me cry as it was stated about Joe Bonsall "But JESUS and his family always came first-and we will see him again on the Promised Day.” Believe me I saw him in concert up close you could "see" Jesus in him! You really could! See you later Joe on the other side where you are now with Jesus.

[@martynewell1181]

Joe Bonsall and the Oak Ridges Boys was and still is one of my favorite groups

[@tracybullock3867]

I was raised up by the Oak ridge boys I love their music RIP Fly Hi with the Angels

[@ruthpatrick1020]

I loved Joe Bonsall. He was my favorite Oak Ridge Boy.

[@cynthiadye1679]

I grew up on the Oak Ridge Boys. I still listen to them.❤❤

[@rebeccaharris3480]

I was raised on The Oak Ridge Boys that was my daddys favorite group. I remember back in the late 70 and early 80 all the 8 track tapes he had. I love listening to them. Especially when they sung gospel. R.I.P Joe

[@rogersullivan5351]

RIP Joe, thank you for all the memories

[@darlapremeaux7006]

Rip Joe bonsall

[@goldeanflowers7606]

😊😊We will all remember Joe from Ottumwa Iowa they sang at the Bridge Veiw we all loved them all

[@bettyweimer9582]

I loved that man!!

[@gracehartwell9493]

Loved Joe’s energy when he sang

[@williamjackson8629]

Remember first time Missouri state fair back stage watch show bus great group won't be same since joe gone

[@Jim-pt8kk]

ALS Horrible disease