Family of the Late Joe Bonsall Take over His Social Media To Share Message With Oak Ridge Boys Fans

While The Oak Ridge Boys have welcomed numerous artists to the band over the years, the lineup of Richard Sterban, William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, and Joe Bonsall produced some of the band’s most memorable songs. Together, the group recorded hits like “Bobbie Sue”, “Elvira”, and “American Made.” Part of The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, Bonsall decided to leave the group earlier in the year. Sadly, on July 9th, Bonsall passed away after struggling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a the age of 76. With fellow singers and fans paying their respects to the late performer, his family recently shared a heartfelt message on social media.

Since Bonsall passed away, the late singer received a mountain of love for his contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys and music. Still mourning the death of Bonsall, his family updated his Twitter account, reading, “As Joe would say, he has ‘left the building’. While our loss is Heaven’s gain, we know our X accounts will not replace his…Our sweet Joe, Our Honey, Our Daddy, Our Joseph, Our Pop-Pop.We would like to thank you all for the prayers, words of encouragement and stories which lift our spirits and warm our hearts.”

Besides thanking fans for their support over the last few days, Bonsall’s family added, “We would also like to thank the amazing people with Alive Hospice and encourage donations, in his name. He Loved You All and So Do We!”

[RELATED: Watch Vince Gill Pay Tribute to Late Friend and Oak Ridge Boys Legend Joe Bonsall With Grand Ole Opry Performance]

Joe Bonsall Discussed Struggles With ALS

Among those who took a moment to remember Bonsall was Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. He wrote in a statement, “He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang.”

At the time of his retirement, Bonsall shared a glimpse into his ongoing struggles, writing, “I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. 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. 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.”

With Bonsall passing away, his legacy in music continues as he watched himself be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 2015.

(Paul Hebert/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)