The Oak Ridge Boys’ Bonsall died from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on July 9
Blake Shelton is mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall.
After the tragic news of his death on Tuesday, July 9, the “Sangria” singer remembered the late Oak Ridge Boys member with a tribute post on X.
“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,” Shelton, 48, wrote alongside a photo performing with the band.
He continued, “He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @theoakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today.”
In 2016, Shelton collaborated with the Southern gospel group on his song “Doing It to Country Songs.”
Bonsall died from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.
Per his request, a funeral will not be held for him but he encouraged donations be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
The tenor singer announced his retirement from touring in January. At the time, he told PEOPLE he was prioritizing his health — though he kept his exact diagnosis private.
