The Oak Ridge Boys‘ Duane Allen is mourning the loss of his wife, Norah Lee Allen, who passed away on Sunday, March 31, following an extended illness.
Allen shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
“This morning, my wife of 54 years and 8 months took her last breath of air on planet Earth,” the singer writes. “Norah Lee went to be with Jesus at 7:28 am, Easter morning. She had not been feeling well for some time. Her family all spent the night with her last night at Vanderbilt Hospital. We took time singing with and to her, telling her stories, and loving her every second that God let us share her here on Earth.
“Jamie, Dee, and I would like to thank you all for your love and prayers,” he continued, referring to the couple’s two children. “We have been at her bedside for over nine weeks. We would like to thank Donna, Ashley, Ginger, GiGi, and Mindy for helping stay some nights with her. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, medical workers, and specialty staff who did everything they could to help Norah Lee. Check my Facebook page later for details on the arrangements. We hope to have visitation and service at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 2, in Hendersonville, Tennessee.”
Norah Lee was also a talented singer, who sang in a family group, The Stuart Sisters Trio, beginning when she was only three yeares old. She also performed on the Chuck Wagon Gang, and was a singer on the Grand Ole Opry. Her talents led her to sing with many acclaimed vocalists, including Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Oliva Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Minnie Pearl, Trisha Yearwood, Charlie Daniels, Martina McBride, and Loretta Lynn, among others.
In addition to her many accomplishments as a singer, she also worked for Benson Publishing, both in office administration and providing background vocals to numerous artists.
The Oak Ridge Boys also spoke out about the loss of Norah Lee on social media.
“We have lost the matriarch of our family,” The Oak Ridge Boys said. “The sweetest soul that any of us have ever known. Please keep ACE and the family in your prayers… UNTIL THE PROMISED DAY …”
Allen and Norah Lee married on September 22, 1969. Norah Lee was 76 years old when she passed away. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to Allen and his family.