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.
The Incredible Journey of Paris Jackson: A Versatile Artist and Advocate
Paris Jackson, born April 3, 1998 in Beverly Hills, California, is much more than the daughter of the legendary Michael Jackson. Her memoir illustrates her development into a well-rounded artist and committed advocate for important causes.
From a young age, Paris showed great interest in various artistic fields, including music, acting and modeling. Her distinctive looks quickly brought her into the fashion world, where she made a name for herself as a successful model.
At the same time, she explored her musical talents by co-founding the folk-rock band The Soundflowers, showcasing her skills in both singing and songwriting. Acting also became an important part of her career, with notable roles in television shows such as “Star” and various film projects.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Paris is a passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. She has spoken openly about her own mental health issues, contributing to the conversation and reducing the stigma surrounding these issues.
Paris uses her platform to support organizations focused on mental health support, addiction recovery and suicide prevention, underscoring her commitment to driving positive social change.
In a recent episode of her Facebook Watch series “Unfiltered,” Paris introduced her “eldest brother” Omer Bhatti, revealing a deep and previously unknown connection. Omer, a Norwegian dancer and rapper, sees himself as a sibling figure to the Jackson children and has a particularly close bond with Paris.
Omer’s insights into the Jackson family provide a unique perspective on their personal development and dynamics. His role as mentor and confidant reflects the supportive influence Paris’ father had on him. Their relationship has evolved over time, providing mutual support and comfort.
These select family dynamics within the Jackson circle highlight the importance of relationships based on shared experiences and unconditional love.
Paris Jackson’s journey is extraordinary, not only as a versatile artist, but also as a staunch advocate for social progress and mental health awareness. Proving that she is more than just her famous lineage, she has become a powerful force for change and a beacon of inspiration for many.
Leave a Reply