Blake Shelton is Mourning the Loss of a Dear Friend Joe

Blake Shelton is well-known for his charming stage persona, touching melodies, and Oklahoma accent. Behind the scenes, though, the beloved country star is grieving. Shelton lost a close friend and colleague, Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, last week following a brave four-year struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Shelton and Bonsall’s relationship was more than simply business; it was a close and lifelong friendship that warmed many others working in the music business.

Blake Said, ‘I’m Heartbroken To Hear Of My Friend Joe Bonsall’s Passing …’ 

Over the years, Blake Shelton and Joe Bonsal worked together several times. Both legends in their own right shared stages, tales, and a common love of country music. Shelton called Bonsall a friend and a mentor and talked of him with tremendous respect. Shelton remarked in a social media post, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”

I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special… pic.twitter.com/RKVJ7KcXyL

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 9, 2024

Joe Bonsall’s Legacy

A vital member of the Oak Ridge Boys, a band that has been a pillar of country and gospel music for decades, Joe Bonsall’s strong voice and energetic presence defined the sound of the band. Bonsall made enormous musical contributions; his death will be lamented strongly by both fans and his country music contemporaries.

Although Bonsall battled ALS, he did it with the same grace and bravery he applied to his work. Often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a crippling disorder that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; therefore, compromising muscular control.

Blake Shelton’s Heartfelt Tribute 

Shelton used social media following Bonsall’s death to honor his friend and pay him tribute. Shelton noted, “He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his Oak Ridge Boys brothers. We all lost a special person today.”

Fans and other musicians responded with a flood of support for Shelton’s tribute. Many of them related their own Bonsall memories, stressing how much he benefited those around him in life and the world of country music. Few people in the music industry seem to have been as loved as the incomparable Joe Bonsall.

The Importance of Understanding ALS

Bonsall’s ALS battle highlights a condition many people still know little about. Affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Muscle weakness, loss of motor skills, and paralysis are common symptoms that only get worse as the disease progresses. The ALS Association puts out great effort to help people afflicted with ALS and to finance research for a cure. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for ALS, nor is there very much in the way of treatment.

Shelton’s grief over the loss of his friend has also highlighted the need for more awareness and help for ALS sufferers. We urge friends of both Blake Shelton and The Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall to learn more about ALS research and support ALS groups to help people who are still battling the illness.