Oak Ridge Boys Singer Joe Bonsall Dead at 76 Months After Announcing Touring Retirement

Joe Bonsall, the longtime tenor who rose to fame as a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, has died. He was 76.

The iconic country and gospel group confirmed Bonsall's passing in a statement, saying the musician died on Tuesday, July 9, from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family also released a separate message to share the news with the fans.

"Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write," the statement read. "He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first - and we will see him again on the Promised Day."

Before his death, he reportedly requested not to hold a funeral for him. Donations, on the other hand, can be made to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center or The ALS Association.

Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren and two great-grandsons. The bereaved family has asked the public for privacy.

CMA Country Music, musicians, fans and Bonsall's colleagues paid tribute to him online after the loss.

Bonsall's death came after he announced his retirement from touring with The Oak Ridge Boys. He sat down for an interview with People at the time to share he needed to step back to prioritize his health years after receiving a diagnosis, which he did not disclose then.

"Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road," he said in January. "It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all."

He worked with The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years and became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry membership. Prior to his death, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.