Bonsall was forced to retire in January 2024 due to his worsening symptoms with a neuromuscular condition. Sadly, he died just a few months later, on July 9, 2024.

The Oak Ridge Boys released a statement about Bonsall’s death, revealing that he died due to complications associated with ALS. Those who wish to honor Bonsall may donate to The ALS Association or The Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center in his memory.

Many country artists paid tribute to Bonsall after his death. One of the most emotional tributes came from Vince Gill, who’d been friends with Bonsall for 42 years.

Gill performed a tribute to Bonsall at the Grand Ole Opry on July 10. He sang “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Elvira,” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”

“I wanted to sing a couple of songs tonight in memory of my sweet friend Joe Bonsall,” Gill said before he started singing. “We were friends for 42 years. He was the high singer in the Oak Ridge Boys for all those years. My heart’s broken for him and his family.”

 

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Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, & Vince Gill Sing Tribute To Joe Bonsall At The Opry

Gill delivered another tribute to Bonsall at the Opry a few days later (on July 13). This time, he was joined onstage by Oak Ridge Boys members Duane Allen and Richard Sterban.

The two singers joined Gill to perform “Elvira” in memory of Bonsall. The Opry shared several photos from their performance, including a picture of Bonsall’s family, who was present for the tribute.

“We miss you already, Joe!” the Opry captioned the pictures on Facebook. “Filled with family, friends, and touching tributes, tonight’s show was in honor of Joe Bonsall – a 50 year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, and a very special member of our Opry family. Thank you for joining us and raising the big red curtain, Duane and Richard. We love ya!”