NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Joe Bonsall, a member of the iconic country music group The Oak Ridge Boys, has died at the age of 76.
“Bonsall, 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,” a release stated.
Bonsall announced his retirement from touring in January 2024. The tenor released a statement to fans and acknowledged his neuromuscular disorder.
Bonsall was from Philadelphia and lived in Nashville for nearly 40 years. He joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973.
According to a release, Bonsall was a 50-year member of The Oak Ridge Boys and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November. 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,” the release stated. “But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
According to a release, Bonsall requested 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.