Introduction
The Oak Ridge Boys Reflect on Powerful Moment Singing for President George H.W. Bush in His Final Days
HOUSTON, TX — In a moment both historic and deeply personal, members of the legendary country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys have spoken out about one of the most emotional performances of their lives: singing to former President George H.W. Bush just days before his passing in 2018.
The group — Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban — shared their memories in a recent interview, reflecting on the experience of being invited to perform for the former president in his final hours at his Houston home.
“It wasn’t just a performance,” said Duane Allen. “It was a sacred moment — a goodbye to a dear friend and a great man.”
The Oak Ridge Boys had a decades-long relationship with the Bush family, dating back to their early days performing at political events and presidential inaugurations. President Bush, a lifelong country music fan, considered the group personal friends and often invited them to the White House and family gatherings.
But nothing prepared them for the final invitation in late November 2018. Just days before the president’s death, his longtime friend and former Secretary of State James Baker contacted the group on behalf of the Bush family. The request: would the Oak Ridge Boys come sing “Amazing Grace” at his bedside?
The answer was immediate.
“We didn’t hesitate,” said Joe Bonsall. “We got on a plane that night. It didn’t matter what we had scheduled — this was more important.”
Upon arriving at the Bush residence, the group was led quietly into the room where the 41st President lay resting. Surrounded by close family members and lifelong friends, the Oak Ridge Boys stood at the foot of his bed and softly sang.
“There was this peacefulness in the room,” Richard Sterban recalled. “When we sang ‘Amazing Grace,’ you could feel something spiritual — like we were part of something bigger than us.”
According to the group, President Bush, though very weak, managed a faint smile during the performance.
“That smile said it all,” said William Lee Golden. “It was his way of saying thank you.”
The performance became a national story, not because of the fame of the group, but because of the authenticity and bond that it revealed — a true friendship between a president and a quartet of singers who had walked beside him through joy and sorrow.
In the days following Bush’s death, the Oak Ridge Boys were asked to perform at his official funeral service in Washington, D.C. They sang “Amazing Grace” once more — this time for the world to hear.
“To be part of President Bush’s final moments, and then to help lay him to rest, was one of the greatest honors of our lives,” said Allen.
Even years later, the memory remains vivid.
“It wasn’t about politics or prestige,” said Bonsall. “It was about love, faith, and loyalty. And that’s what we’ll carry with us forever.”