Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys shared on June 17 that he was experiencing “some health issues.” Because of this, Bonsall said he would not be able to sing with the rest of the Oak Ridge Boys for an unspecified amount of time.
“There has been some concern for me and yes I AM having some health issues, that’s why I was looking a bit weak at the shows last week I will not be out with the guys this weekend but brother RUDY GATLIN will be filling in Should be fun!!!” he said.
There has been some concern for me and yes I AM having some health issues, that’s why I was looking a bit weak at the shows last week I will not be out with the guys this weekend but brother RUDY GATLIN will be filling in Should be fun!!! I am going to be ok thanks for 🙏
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) June 17, 2022
A few days later, Bonsall shared the severity of his health issues:
“I could have easily died last weekend but God is not through with me yet … I am home now after 6 days in the hospital battling pulmonary embolisms …“ he said.
Bonsall told his fans his “recovery could take awhile” but he was “on the better side” at that point. He thanked everyone for keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.
I could have easily died last weekend but God is not through with me yet … I am home now after 6 days in the hospital battling pulmonary embolisms … my recovery could take awhile … thanks for the prayers and love shown!! I am on the better side now… GOD IS ABLE! Love you ALL
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) June 20, 2022
Bonsall was feeling well enough to sing again on Sunday (July 3). He was able to join the Oak Ridge Boys on stage at Freedom Fest to sing a couple of songs.
“we just weren’t sure if I could do a full outdoor hot show yet … I plan to go out and sing ELVIRA and Bobbie Sue later …” Bonsall wrote on Twitter as he listened to the Oak Ridge Boys sing with Rudy Gatlin.
Sitting on bus listening to my guys and band and @RudyGatlin singing on at stage in Springfield TN to a monster crowd at #FreedomFest2022 we just weren’t sure if I could do a full outdoor hot show yet … I plan to go out and sing ELVIRA and Bobbie Sue later … They sound great!
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) July 4, 2022
Bonsall made his way on stage as promised, and the crowd was delighted to see him. He shared some photos from his performance, which you can see below.
Thanks Doug https://t.co/3kh75fPl95
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) July 4, 2022
Thank you @SledgeElaine … this one of me and @DUANEALLEN got me https://t.co/vYrR8vwp5c pic.twitter.com/0clIxKXzI2
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) July 5, 2022
Sharing Jayne Englands Wonderful Picture from last Nite in Springfield Tenn @oakridgeboys @RudyGatlin @joebonsall @DUANEALLEN @wlgolden @RASterban @wlgthegoldens @sloanlynn @JeffPanzer2 pic.twitter.com/TWJpTwGB5H
— anne frances pate (@BBluebird1) July 4, 2022
It’s encouraging to see that Bonsall is feeling better now! He was clearly glad to be back on stage singing with the rest of the Oak Ridge Boys.
We’ll continue praying for Bonsall’s full recovery.