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.
Blue Ivy, 12, Stuns in a ‘Gilded and Glamorous’ Gown Alongside Mom Beyoncé at the ‘Mufasa’ Premiere
Blue Ivy Carter Shines at Mufasa: The Lion King Premiere in Gilded Elegance
At just 12 years old, Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of global superstars Beyoncé and Jay-Z, is stepping into her spotlight with grace and style. The young star captivated fans at the Hollywood premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, showcasing her growing confidence, elegance, and undeniable star power.
A Golden Red Carpet Moment The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood served as the perfect backdrop for Blue Ivy’s show-stopping appearance. Dressed in a stunning metallic gold gown by renowned designer Christian Siriano, she exuded poise and sophistication. The gown featured a heart-shaped neckline and a flowing skirt, striking a balance between youthful charm and red-carpet glamour.
Designer Christian Siriano expressed his admiration on Instagram, writing, “The Stunninggggg #BLUEIVYCARTER in custom Siriano tonight looking more gilded and glamorous than ever!” Her look was completed with minimal yet elegant accessories, including gold earrings and delicate rings. Makeup artist Sir John enhanced her natural beauty with shimmering gold eyeshadow, a rosy blush, and a bold red lip.
Beyoncé’s Proud Tribute Proud mom Beyoncé took to social media to celebrate her daughter’s milestone moment, sharing heartfelt words: “My beautiful baby girl. This is your night. You put in so much effort and did an incredible job as the voice of Kiara. Your family is so proud of you. Keep shining bright!”
The touching message resonated with fans, with many noting the rare length and personal nature of Beyoncé’s caption. Her makeup artist, Sir John, added, “Look at the BABYYYYYYY oh my goodness 🥹.”
A Family Affair on the Red Carpet The evening was a family celebration, with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandmother Tina Knowles joining Blue Ivy for her big night. Beyoncé dazzled in a strapless gold Balmain gown, perfectly complementing her daughter’s outfit, while Jay-Z looked sharp in a chocolate brown suit. The family’s united front emphasized the significance of the moment in Blue Ivy’s blossoming career.
From Stage to Screen: Blue Ivy’s Journey Blue Ivy’s talent has been evident for years. Her performances during Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour in 2023 showcased her confidence and stage presence as she danced to “My Power.” Now, she’s taking her skills to the screen, voicing Kiara, the daughter of Queen Nala, in Mufasa: The Lion King.
The role marks a new milestone for Blue Ivy as she steps into the world of voice acting, bringing depth and emotion to a beloved Disney universe. Her portrayal bridges generations, continuing the legacy her mother helped establish in the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King.
A Tradition of Iconic Style This isn’t the first time Blue Ivy and Beyoncé have made fashion history together. Their gold ensembles at the Mufasa premiere echoed their iconic matching Alexander McQueen looks at the 2019 Lion King premiere, where they donned coordinating black-and-silver blazers and sparkling tulle skirts.
A Star on the Rise Born into music royalty in 2012, Blue Ivy has already achieved remarkable milestones, including a Grammy Award for her contributions to “Brown Skin Girl.” With younger siblings Rumi and Sir by her side, she continues to grow into her own identity while honoring her family’s powerful legacy.
Looking Ahead With Mufasa: The Lion King set to premiere on December 20, anticipation is building for Blue Ivy’s performance as Kiara. Whether she pursues acting, music, or another creative path, one thing is certain: Blue Ivy Carter is a star on the rise, and the world is eagerly watching her journey.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead Blue Ivy’s radiant presence at the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere marks a significant moment in her young career. From her breathtaking gold gown to her heartfelt role in the film, she’s proving herself as more than just the daughter of two legends—she’s an emerging icon in her own right.
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