Home / Health / Oak Ridge Boys Singer Battles Pancreatic Cancer, Remains Optimistic
Oak Ridge Boys Singer Battles Pancreatic Cancer, Remains Optimistic
26 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Oak Ridge Boys singer Richard Sterban diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2025
- Sterban, 82, under care of top cancer doctors, believes he will overcome the disease
- News comes over a year after bandmate Joe Bonsall retired due to ALS complications
In a recent update, veteran Oak Ridge Boys singer Richard Sterban has revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The 82-year-old, who has been with the Grammy-winning quartet since 1972, shared the news on the group's website on September 25, 2025.
Sterban stated that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in March of this year. However, he remains optimistic, saying he is under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and believes, with God's help, he will be able to overcome this challenge. The singer expressed gratitude for the concern and prayers of the group's loyal fans, noting that he has been feeling well on most days and hopes to return to the road in the coming months.
This health update comes over a year after the Oak Ridge Boys' co-founder Joe Bonsall announced his retirement from touring due to a slow-onset neuromuscular disorder. Bonsall, who had been with the group for 50 years, passed away in July 2024 from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 76. The Oak Ridge Boys have since welcomed a new member, Ben James, to fill Bonsall's role on stage.
