Country artist Rusty Golden, actor Shannen Doherty, and more — the world will never be the same after their death. C&I honors the Western movers and shakers we’ve lost in July.
Discover and celebrate the legacy of these country artists, famed actors, and rodeo queens who passed this July. C&I honors Shannen Doherty, Joe Bonsall, and more after their death.
Rusty Golden
The country music world continues to feel the loss of country singer-songwriter William “Rusty” Golden. Rusty Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden, joined his father and brothers on a slew of musical collaborations, and established himself as a noteworthy solo artist, songwriter, and award-winning keyboard player during his decades-long career. He passed away Monday, July 1 at age 65 in his Hendersonville, Tennessee home. “This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face,” William Lee Golden said in a statement. “I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son.”
See more of Rusty Golden’s rich legacy.
Joe Bonsall
Joe Bonsall, a 50-year member of the Grammy-winning country-gospel quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away Tuesday, July 9 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The multitalented Philadelphia native was 76. The tragedy comes just one week after the death of Rusty Golden. Bonsall had announced last January in a statement posted on social media that he was retiring from performing due to failing health. “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder,” Bonsall said. “I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.” Friends and fans of the country legends paid their respects on social media and beyond, with David and Howard Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers saying, “Heartbreaking to hear the news about Joe Bonsall passing. Joey was a true road brother and a great friend for many years. Deepest Condolences to his family and to all the Oak Ridge Boys organization and his many fans.”
Check out what other country legends had to say about Joe Bonsall’s passing.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty became a household name and an international celebrity in the 1990s, thanks to her full-tilt performance as the mercurial Brenda Walsh in the teen-skewing prime-time soap opera Beverly Hills 90210, then continued to attract millions of viewers while playing one of three supernaturally empowered sisters during the first three seasons (1998 – 2001) of Charmed. But for those of a certain age, she may always be remembered best for her winning performance as young Jenny Wilder in the final season of series creator and star Michael Landon’s enduringly popular Little House on the Prairie. Doherty — who passed away on Saturday, July 13 at age 53 after a lengthy battle with cancer — was only 11 years old when Landon, impressed by her guest-starring performance in episodes of his Father Murphy series, cast her as Jenny. The lasting impact of her performance is still felt today by viewers young and old.
Learn more about Doherty’s vast career and legacy.
Kellie Stockton
The rodeo world has lost a friend and role model with the passing of former Miss Rodeo Colorado Kellie Stockton. The Colorado native passed away Sunday, July 28, leaving behind a grieving rodeo community. The Miss Rodeo Colorado organization took to social media to share their condolences, saying, “Our hearts are heavy tonight with the news of Kellie Stockton’s passing. Kellie was exceptionally kind, humble, and supportive. Always ready with a hug and a warm smile, there was no job she wasn’t eager to do. Kellie made everyone feel special and uplifted them when they needed encouragement. Our prayers go out to her family as they cope with this terrible loss.”
Read what friends and family have to say about the beloved rodeo queen.
