The Oak Ridge Boys‘ are working on a new album, but sadly it will not include Joe Bonsall. Bonsall, who announced in December he was retiring from touring due to his health, reveals that he will not be part of their next project.

The Oak Ridge Boys announced on social media that they were working on a new album, produced once again by Dave Cobb, later revealing they finished seven of the ten songs on the record in one day.

After numerous fans asked if Bonsall would be singing on the record, the 75-year-old revealed that Ben James, who is replacing him on the road, will also be singing his part in the studio as well.

“Many are asking but no man …” Bonsall says. “I am not singing on this … they invited me to sing a bit but I was just not up to it … Ben has me covered and the sessions are going well …”

Hi J D Joe here … many are asking but no man … I am not singing on this … they invited me to sing a bit but I was just not up to it … Ben has me covered and the sessions are going well … https://t.co/nNCCpNYToq

— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) January 31, 2024

Bonsall, who had been sitting during his concerts with The Oak Ridge Boys, decided to come off of the road when he could no longer walk.

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder,” Bonsall said when the news was announced. “I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”

Bonsall recently shared a heartwarming story of how his bandmate, Duane Allen, helped him when he was struggling while on tour.

“One year ago today I was at a hotel in Galveston trying to make it down an incline to get to the tour bus. I was on a cane at the time but my legs froze on the hill and I couldn’t move,” Bonsall recalled. “Duane Allen came flying out of the bus to help me … one just does not forget things like that! My heart is with him and the BOYS today!!”

The Oak Ridge Boys are continuing their American Made: Farewell Tour throughout 2024. Find all of The Oak Ridge Boys’ music and remaining shows at OakRidgeBoys.com.