Photo Credit: Brandon Wood/Indie Bling Studio (March 2025)

Richard Sterban, 53+ year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, who has been off the road convalescing since mid-May, has released a health update.

“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.”

Sterban, who has been a member of the group since 1972, continued. “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.”

Sterban, whose bass notes are featured prominently in the Oaks’ double platinum single, “Elvira,” 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 are scheduling shows into 2026.

About Richard Sterban
Richard Sterban began his singing career as a six-year-old soprano in Sunday school in his native Camden, New Jersey. Prior to joining the Oaks in 1972, Richard sang with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, which afforded him the opportunity of a lifetime—the chance to sing with Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, singing with him every night on stage, recording with him, and appearing in one of his movies (Elvis on Tour).

Richard and his wife, Donna, have two daughters, Lauren and Tori. Tori and her husband, Michael, have one son, Michael Owen Fagan IV. Likewise, Lauren and her husband, Tyler, have one son, Alexander Thomas Estep. Richard also has three older sons, Rich (Chele), Doug, and Chris, five additional grandchildren, Mali (Zach), Nik, Tyler (Ryann), Madelyn, and Allie, and two great-grandchildren, Salem and Asher.

Photo Credit: Brandon Wood/Indie Bling Studio (March 2025)

About The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 41 million units worldwide and are synonymous with “America, apple pie, baseball, and country music.” In addition to their awards and accolades in the country music field, the Oaks have garnered five GRAMMY® Awards, nine GMA DOVE Awards, and two American Music Awards. The group—Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—was inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame (2015 Inductees) and the Grand Ole Opry (since 2011)—and is known worldwide as one of recording history’s most extraordinary musical successes. They have charted single after single and album after album, celebrating two double-platinum albums and more than 30 Top 10 hits, including No. 1 chart-toppers “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” and “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” among dozens more. Ben James replaced Joe Bonsall, who died on July 9, 2024. For more information on The Oak Ridge Boys and their 2024-2025 tour, please visit oakridgeboys.com.

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countryMiscellaneousNewsPress Releaserichard sterban,The Oak Ridge Boys
Richard Sterban, 53+ year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, who has been off the road convalescing since mid-May, has released a health update. “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,...