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.
Seth, the Young Entrepreneur with a Refreshing Twist
Seth, an ambitious and creative 11-year-old from Utah, has gained widespread attention for his unique business venture. Instead of setting up a typical lemonade stand, Seth decided to take a different approach. With a sign that read “Ice Cool Beer,” he stood near the sidewalk, catching the attention of passersby.
A Wise Business Mind at a Young Age
Seth’s innate sense of entrepreneurship and willingness to take risks have not gone unnoticed. Despite his young age, he embodies the qualities of a true business prodigy. The young entrepreneur’s determination to push himself and express his creativity has paid off, showing that success knows no age if one is willing to work hard and think outside the box.
A Misunderstanding Cleared with Laughter
Initially, Seth’s ‘beer’ stand caused concern among his neighbors, leading them to contact the police. As officers approached Seth’s booth, they soon realized that there was no cause for alarm. Despite the green wording on his sign, Seth was actually selling root beer, not alcoholic beverages.
The Brigham City Police Department was not only impressed by Seth’s marketing plan but also praised his attention to detail and ability to attract customers at such a young age. News of his unique business approach quickly spread online, garnering praise and admiration from people around the world.
A Young Entrepreneur’s Determination
When the police received a report of a suspicious person, they were met by a driven young entrepreneur named Seth. This ambitious child was determined to start his own business and was wise beyond his years. He had an idea he believed people would love, and he worked hard to build a name for himself.
The police department recognized Seth’s potential and provided him with mentorship and free promotion by sharing his story on social media. Many people who learned about Seth commended his entrepreneurial drive, with some even expressing outrage that someone had called the police in the first place.
A Lesson in Compassion and Support
The police department had a different perspective on the situation. They emphasized that residents should never feel ashamed to report something they find concerning. In an act of compassion and gratitude, they even bought Seth some root beer to show their support and appreciation for his efforts.
Seth’s story serves as an inspiration to everyone, proving that age is no barrier to success. With his creativity, determination, and the support of his local community, Seth has paved the way for young entrepreneurs everywhere.
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