Blake Shelton Mourns Death of Friend and Former Collaborator in Touching Tribute

Blake Shelton is speaking out to honor late Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall , who died this week following a four-year battle with ALS.

Bonsall passed away on Tuesday, July 9 at the age of 76, a spokesperson for his family initially confirmed. The Oak Ridge Boys also issued a statement on social media to announce the sad news.

After hearing the news, Shelton was among Bonsall's music industry pals who took to Instagram to share a touching social media tribute to the late vocalist.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shelton shared a throwback snap of himself performing onstage with Bonsall and the rest of the Oak Ridge Boys members: Duane Allen , William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban .

"I'm heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls passing," Shelton, 48, wrote alongside the pic on Tuesday. "I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met."

The "God Gave Me You" crooner continued, "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today."

Shelton hasn't been the only music legend to speak out on social media in honor of Bonsall's passing. Fellow country star and coach on The Voice Reba McEntire also shared a heartfelt message via Instagram , writing to her late friend, "Joe, you were a terrific entertainer, singer, and a wonderful friend!"

"I'll sure miss your smiling face and your bubbly personality," she wrote alongside a photo of the two posing together. "I can't wait to see you again. Love, Reba."

Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Bonsall , their daughters Jennifer and Sabrina , as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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