'The Oak Ridge Boys' iconic singer Joe Bonsall dies at 76 after battling neuromuscular disorder

HENDERSONVILLE, TENNESSEE: ‘The Oak Ridge Boys’ legend Joe Bonsall has died at age 76 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) complications.

The country singer, born as Joseph S Bonsall Jr announced his retirement from touring in January over health concerns.

"Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road," he said back then. 

"It has just gotten too difficult. 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," he added. "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."

Joe Bonsall requested donations to The ALS Association instead of his funeral

The official press release on Joe Bonsall's death read, “Joseph S Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis."

"He leaves behind his precious wife, Mary Ann, daughters. Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S Bonsall Sr and Lillie Bonsall.”

Bonsall’s unreleased memoir ‘I See Myself’ will be out in November. Some of 'The Oak Ridge Boys' hit include, 'Thank God For Kids', 'I'll be True to You', 'Ozark Mountain Jubilee', and 'Bobbie Sue'.

“Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. 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 further shared.

“At the request of Joe, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center,” it added, per CNN.

Netizens pay tribute to iconic country singer Joe Bonsall on his death 

Internet expressed their emotions after Joe Bonsall succumbed to ALS battle at 76.

A user shared on Facebook, "Prayers to his family and band mates he was great performer and will be dearly missed-RIP Joe."

"Condolences to the family!! I always loved hearing his voice when they would perform!!" wrote another.

One expressed, "Prayers and love sent to all Family and Friends. RIP."

"Sad he was a wonderful singer & performer!" a user remarked.

A fan wrote, "So sad to hear! Just saw him perform with the Oak Ridge Boys last summer in Walker Mn. He will be greatly missed!"

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