Blake Shelton paid tribute to his late friend Joe Bonsall, who passed away recently. Joe was a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, a celebrated country and gospel group, from 1973 until his death in 2024.
On Tuesday, Blake, 48, shared a heartfelt photo on his Instagram Stories of himself performing alongside The Oak Ridge Boys. While the exact details of the photo’s location and date are unclear, Blake expressed his sorrow over Joe’s passing, saying: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall”.
He fondly recalled: “I have never seen Joe without a genuine smile on his face. He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met”. Blake extended his thoughts and prayers to Joe’s family and fellow bandmates, stating: “Today, we have all experienced the loss of someone truly important”.
In 2016, Blake and The Oak Ridge Boys collaborated on the song “Doing It to Country Songs”. Joe’s death was attributed to Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive condition affecting voluntary muscle control, which has no known cure. Fans became aware of Joe’s struggle with the illness in January 2024, four years after he announced his condition and retirement from the band.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, from his marriage to Mary Ann, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Bonsall family shared in a statement that Joe authored 11 books, with his memoir, I See Myself, scheduled for release in November. He cherished his time at the farm and was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, but emphasized that his faith and family were his greatest priorities.
The Oak Ridge Boys, consisting of Joe, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden, are famous for hits like “Elvira”, “Come On In” and “Bobbie Sue”. The band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and has won five Grammy Awards. As the group embarks on a farewell tour that will last for about a few month, they reflect on their legacy, despite the original lineup no longer being intact. Joe’s love for music, reading, and writing, along with his skills on the banjo, will be fondly remembered by fans and loved ones alike.
‘We Want to Eat,’ Twins Beg Lady, She Notices They Have Her Late Son’s Birthmark
A grieving mother, Estella, lost the will to live after her son’s death. Ten years later, she discovers a reason to keep going through an unexpected encounter.
Estella often traced the inscription inside a ring given by her late son, Neil, a talented young scientist.
One day, she received a devastating call informing her that Neil had died in a car accident.
Overwhelmed with grief, she struggled to find meaning in her life. Years later, while at the market, Estella encountered two young boys, Jordan and Tim, who bore a striking resemblance to Neil, even sharing his unique birthmark.
Curiosity led her to offer them food and learn about their mother, Emily. To Estella’s surprise, Emily revealed that she had dated Neil and was pregnant with his twins when he suddenly stopped communicating.
After Neil’s death, Emily, unsupported by her family, struggled to raise her children alone. Moved by Emily’s story, Estella welcomed her and the twins into her home, realizing that they were her purpose.
She gave Emily Neil’s ring, symbolizing their connection. Estella found solace in caring for her newfound family, understanding that this was why God had kept her alive.
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