of G.I. Joe & Lillie to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®
Celebrated Book on Bravery, Commitment and Sacrifice Now on Sale
Nashville, TN (April 16, 2012) – Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys has released his best-selling book, G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty, at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. This moving account of his parents, Joe and Lillie Bonsall is a powerful story of patriotism, bravery, deep commitment, and unmovable faith.
The Grammy-winning singer says the project will enable him to further share the legacy of the inspiring publication which symbolizes the essence and core values of America. “I am honored beyond words that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is now carrying my G.I. Joe & Lillie book. Along with all of these years of singing with The Oak Ridge Boys, writing this book has been a highlight of my life and its constant success has been downright incredible,” he says. “I think the reason people love this book is that so many folks from the Greatest Generation lived the same or, at least, very similar story,” Bonsall adds.
He describes having G.I. Joe & Lillie at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® as truly meaningful and relevant. “Our great Veterans who gave so much for our freedom are always there eating at Cracker Barrel because they know that this is a company that cares about them deeply as does ALL of Middle America. I know I do… that is why I wrote this book. A story that honors my parents and their service to America,” the Grand Ole Opry member explains.
Previously, Joe Bonsall wrote a song in honor of his parents, both members of the U.S. military during World War II. The Oak Ridge Boys took part in a patriotic television show which was directed and produced by Sherman Halsey. During the performance, they sang the song, G.I. Joe & Lillie, as a tribute to Bonsall’s parents, shortly after their passing. A video of the performance was uploaded to YouTube by a fan, creating headlines and generating more than 2.8 million views at: youtube.com/watch?v=8lQk27hPzZs.
Excerpt from G.I. Joe & Lillie Now Available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®
‘The good soldier who fought the war and the woman who loved him is a story as old as time itself. As we approach the uncertainties of the future, it is good to know that this kind of love, faith, and dedication does exist. Yes, I believe it does and, yes, I believe it always will. The key word here is ‘faith’ — faith in God, faith in country, faith in each other.” – Joseph S. Bonsall
About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage… all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 612 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. For more information, visit: www.crackerbarrel.com