The statement continued, “He loved running the farm and was a devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan. But Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Upon his diagnosis, Joe announced his departure from the band.
Joe Bonsall was joined in The Oak Ridge Boys by William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen. Some of the band’s best-known songs include “Elvira,” “Come On In,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” and “Bobbie Sue.”
In 2015, The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and won five Grammy Awards.
None of the current band members were part of the original lineup, which included Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Wally Fowler, and Little Johnny New.
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on tour with their “American Made: The Farewell” show, which runs until December 8.