Ricahrd Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys has announced that he has pancreatic cancer. He shared that news on the group's web site a few days ago. In a post captioned "Health Update," Sterban, 82, wrote, "In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer," said Sterban. "But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this."
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He went on, "I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers. Most days I'm feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months."
Per the web site, "Sterban...last appeared with the group at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May. Since that time, Aaron McCune and Tim Duncan have been filling in for him on tour."
The Oak Ridge Boys' members are Sterban, William Lee Golden, Ben James, and Duane Allen.
Another Member of the Band Faced His Own Major Health Crisis
Per People, about a year and a half ago, Joe Bonsall stepped back from touring because of his health. He said then, "Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road."
Bonsall added, "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." He went on, "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."
Sadly, Joe Bonsall passed away on July 9, 2024, from ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He was 76 years old. The illness is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease after the legendary New York Yankees' baseball player. He died from it in 1941.
