SINGER Wayne Osmond of the beloved family music act The Osmonds has died at 73, his family announced on Thursday.
They said he died peacefully on New Year’s Day surrounded by his wife and children.
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“His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world,” the family’s statement obtained by local ABC affiliate KTVX read.
“He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert.
“We love him and will miss him dearly.”
His brother Merrill shared on Facebook that Wayne “had a massive stroke.”
READ MORE ON CELEB DEATHS
Born and raised in 1951 in Ogden, Utah, Osmond joined forces with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay, to form a barbershop quartet and raise money for hearing aids for two other brothers, Virl and Tom, who were born deaf.
The group then expanded to include himself, and brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, who appeared often on The Andy Williams Show after Williams’ father discovered the group at Disneyland, according to KTVX.
They even produced a TV show in Utah together, titled The Osmond Family Show.
Eventually, Osmond – who became known for his background vocals and musical proficiency across multiple instruments – retired from his performance career due to a hearing issue.
Osmond was married to Kathlyn White. The couple share five children.
He is survived by his siblings Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy.
HEALTH STRUGGLES
Osmond, a cancer survivor, struggled with cognitive and hearing impairments from the time he was a child.
But his health took a turn while on tour with his brothers in 1997.
“One day when I was working in Branson, I noticed I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore because my head would start throbbing,” he told Coping in an undated interview.
“And my knees would fall out from under me when I was on stage. This all began happening within a week.”
Osmond was diagnosed with ependymoma, “a childhood cancer that is very fatal for kids,” he told Coping.
He immediately underwent a 17-hour surgery to remove the tumor doctors discovered.
After six weeks of radiation, Osmond was told his cancer was gone.
Six months later, he returned to the stage.
Merrill Osmond statement on Wayne Osmond’s death
Merrill Osmond posted the following statement to Facebook sharing the news of his brother Wayne’s death:
“When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways. I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC to see him and I was able to say my goodbyes.
“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in
“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.
“His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who are waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine
“My brother Wayne endured much. He gave it his all. His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God
“I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of heavenly father‘s greatest sons.
“Until I see him again, know that he was loved,
“Brother Merrill”
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‘THIS ONE HITS HARD’
Tributes have poured in for Osmond, including from his siblings.
In addition to Merrill Osmond’s statement, Jay Osmond shared on Facebook that “a true legend has left the Earth.”
“My heart is deeply saddened for the loss of my brother Wayne,” Jay wrote.
“It is said that where there is great love there is great grief as we part during our earthly journey. Throughout my life I have always felt most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings. He was my roommate and my confidant over the decades,” the statement continued.
“As I sat visiting with him last week at his home he talked about how sad he was that he couldn’t get up in his plane anymore and how much flying brought him peace. What gives me joy is to know that my brother “Wings” has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring right now … The reunion he must’ve had with Father and Mother I’m sure was spectacular!”
Donny Osmond has also paid tribute to his brother.
In a statement shared with his 401k Instagram followers, Donny, 67, said he was “so grateful” to have had the opportunity to visit Wayne in prison before he passed.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me,” he said.
“He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”
Donny added that all of the Osmond siblings were “fortunate” to have Wayne as a brother.
“Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity,” he said.
Fans have also shared their condolences online.
“So many happy memories of my teenage years of this family & of Wayne Osmond. R.I.P Wayne,” one person wrote on X.
“Rest In Peace Wayne Osmond. One of my mums fav groups when she was younger, from my mother I got to listen to the wonderful music that the Osmonds did. This one hits hard as they were a fantastic Group. Thoughts and condolences are with the Entire Osmond family at this sad time,” another wrote.
“Been an Osmonds fan for many many years and was listening to the greatest hits today and just heard the sad news. Thank you for many years of great songs,” someone else contributed.
Another fan wrote: “Thank you for the music, Wayne Osmond, RIP!”