When Bandmate’s Son Passed, Joe Bonsall Said “See You There” One Week Before His Own Death

Published Jul 9, 2024 By Megan Grisham

Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Joe Bonsall, the tenor vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

In a press release, it was confirmed that Bonsall’s cause of death was due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“Joseph S. Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis [otherwise known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease],” the press release read. “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.”

 

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In addition to mourning their beloved bandmate, The Oak Ridge Boys are also dealing with the unexpected passing of Rusty Golden, the son of member William Lee Golden.

Rusty passed away just a week prior, on July 1, 2024, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at the age of 65. The cause of Rusty’s death has not been disclosed, but his passing is another loss for The Oak Ridge Boys and their extended family.

In a touching post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Bonsall expressed his sorrow and love for Rusty, writing, “So very sad … love you son … see you there man …” This heartfelt message was shared just seven days before Bonsall himself passed away.

The Oak Ridge Boys have been faced with several tragedies this year. In March the bands lead singer, Duane Allen, lost his wife, Nora Lee Allen, after battling a prolonged illness.

As the band navigates through this period of grief, the legacy of Joe Bonsall and his impact on the world of country music will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians.

Due to Joe’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Instead of flowers, those who wish to honor his memory may donate to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.