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.
I Forgot to Leave Lunch Money for My Son, but He Said, ‘Don’t Worry, Mom. I’ll Look in the Cereal Box Where Dad Hides It’
This story is a striking look at the strain that financial struggles and secrecy can place on a marriage. Jess’s discovery of the hidden cash speaks to the tension between her hard work and her husband’s misguided attempt at “protecting” her. The emotional weight here is amplified by her sacrifices — working multiple jobs, sleepless nights, and the constant juggle of responsibilities.
Marcus’s fear-driven decision to stash money, while aiming to shield his family, ends up creating a sense of betrayal. Jess’s response — to take a day for herself using the hidden funds — is both a release of her frustration and a way to reclaim her sense of self-worth. This choice reveals the emotional toll of the secret, as well as the need for open communication in a partnership. Marcus might have felt justified, but Jess’s actions remind him of the importance of honesty and the partnership they’re meant to share.
If I were in Jess’s shoes, I’d likely feel just as frustrated and hurt, though it’s clear Marcus’s intentions weren’t malicious. Still, financial secrecy, especially in challenging times, only breeds resentment. The ending gives hope that Marcus has learned this lesson and that they can rebuild trust.
What would you have done? Would a hidden stash be a dealbreaker or a chance for a fresh conversation on shared priorities?
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