Oak Ridge Boys Just Broke Our Hearts With This Tribute Post

The Oak Ridge Boys have had a very difficult 18 months. Personally and professionally, the band has experienced several losses.

“We’re hanging on and our friends have really supported us,” Duane Allen told Taste of Country last November, ahead of the CMA Awards. “They’ve stood up with us, and our friends have called us and our fans have stood by us.”

After Jeannie Seely’s Aug. 1 death, Allen put it into perspective with a short, but powerful note to the group’s Facebook page.

“The last date I had with my Norah Lee was with Jeannie Seely & Gene Ward,” he begins. “A double date with best friends. They are all gone but me … My heart is broken tonight. I loved her.”

Which Oak Ridge Boys Member Died?

For decades, the Oak Ridge Boys were Allen, William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban. In July 2024, Bonsall died from complications of ALS.

Just three months prior, Allen’s wife of 55 years died. That very same day (Easter Sunday), Sterban’s father-in-law died.

Gene Ward was Seely’s husband, and he died in December 2024. Add this all together and it’s very easy to understand Allen and the band’s pain today.

How Did Jeannie Seely Die?

The 85-year-old Grand Ole Opry regular had undergone several back and abdominal surgeries since late 2024. She died from complications of an intestinal infection, her publicist shares.

Prior to her death, Seely set a record for most appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, with more than 5,000.

She was the first woman to regularly host segments at the Opry, and for that reason she had the chance to introduce dozens of future stars on the famous stage during their first performance.

Allen, Golden and Sterban have continued to tour with new Oak Ridge Boys member Ben James. The Country Music Hall of Famers are keeping an aggressive tour schedule through the end of the year.