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.
Keanu Reeves Chops Off His Long Hair After Years and Stuns Fans With His Transformation
At a recent event, Keanu Reeves and his girlfriend were spotted together, looking so in love. Their aura and style captivated the audience but people were particularly left surprised by Keanu’s new haircut and transformed look.
Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant, who have been close for a long time, once again attended the 2024 MOCA Gala in Los Angeles. They continued their support for the museum’s big fundraising evening, a tradition for them. The cameras captured their joyful interactions.
Reeves stood out in his navy blue suit with a green shirt and matching scarf, while Grant was radiant in a striking light green dress and a sparkling handbag. Notably, Keanu debuted a completely new appearance, adding to the night’s excitement.
The actor, previously recognized for his long locks, surprised everyone with a new, short hairstyle that transformed his look. Fans were thrilled with the change. One admirer remarked, “Keanu looks so handsome with his haircut”. “So lovely. Keanu looks hotter than ever!!” agreed another.
Were you aware that Keanu left school when he was just 17? Discover more intriguing details about him here.
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