After his friend Joe Bonsall died, Blake Shelton wrote a touching tribute.
A country and gospel band called The Oak Ridge Boys had Joe as a member from 1973 to 2024.
There was a picture of Blake, 48, singing on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys that he shared on Tuesday.
The exact date and place where the picture was taken are unknown.
He wrote on his Instagram Stories, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s death.”
“I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”
Blake added, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
I’m praying for his family and his brothers at @theoakridgeboys. Today we all lost someone important.
Blake put out the 2016 song “Doing It to Country Songs” with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, led to his death.
Neuromuscular diseases like ALS can’t be cured. They affect the body’s voluntary muscles.
Fans learned about the singer’s diagnosis in January 2024, four years after he had been sick for four years.
He was married to Mary Ann and had two daughters named Jennifer and Sabrina. He also had two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“Joseph is also the author of 11 books, including his upcoming memoir, I See Myself, which comes out in November,” a Bonsall family spokesperson said in a press release.
During the announcement of his diagnosis, Joe said he was leaving the band.
Along with Joe, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen make up The Oak Ridge Boys.
“Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue” are some of the band’s best-known songs.
After winning five Grammys, The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
No one in the band who is still playing is one of the original members.
“Joe really enjoyed singing. He enjoyed reading. He enjoyed writing. He enjoyed playing the banjo a lot.
Group founders were Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ American Made: The Farwell tour starts today and runs until December 8.