The Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall in a video days before death

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of ,Joe Bonsalla cherished member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years. Joe passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76, due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In January, Joe made the difficult decision to retire from touring with the quartet, citing his illness. Despite his absence, the group honoured him by continuing their farewell tour. A heartfelt statement on Joe's website reads: "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 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." Honouring Joe's wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, his family has requested that donations be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center in lieu of flowers. The family kindly asks for privacy during this time. Joe, born Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1948, joined The Oak Ridge Boys as a tenor in 1973. His remarkable contribution to the group's success over the past 51 years includes over 30 top-five country hits, with nearly half reaching the top of the charts. Joe leaves behind his loving wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. We extend our deepest condolences to the Bonsall family and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. #JoeBonsall Joe Bonsall death #theOakRidgeBoys Thank you for watching, and please don't forget to subscribe.

Added 3 Jun 2026