SINGER Wayne Osmond of the beloved family music group The Osmonds has died aged 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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Wayne Osmond performs at the Orleans Hotel & Casino on August 14, 2007 in Las Vegas, NevadaCredit: Getty
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Alan (left), Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Donny Osmond pictured in London in 1974. Credit: Getty
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Jay Osmond, Mario Lichtenstein, Jimmy Osmond and Wayne Osmond (right) April 14, 2011 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter touched the lives of many people around the world,” the family said in a statement obtained by local ABC affiliate KTVX.
He would like 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.”
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, Virla and Tom, who were born deaf.
The group then expanded to include him and brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny and Jimmy, who made frequent appearances on The Andy Williams Show after Williams’ father discovered the group at Disneyland, according to KTVX.
They even produced a TV show together in Utah called The Osmond Family Show.
Eventually, Osmond – who became known for his backing vocals and multi-instrumental musicianship – retired from his performing career due to hearing problems.
Osmond was married to Kathlyn White. The couple shares five children.
He is survived by his siblings Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie and Jimmy.
Viewers of The One Show were seriously confused by the appearance of 65-year-old Donny Osmond
HEALTH STRUGGLES
Osmond, a cancer survivor, has struggled with cognitive and hearing impairments since he was a child.
But his health took a turn for the worse during a tour with his brothers in 1997.
“One day while I was working in Branson, I noticed that I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore because my head would start throbbing,” Copingu said in an undated interview.
“And my knees would fall out from under me when I was on stage. It all started happening within a week.”
Osmond was diagnosed with ependymoma, “a childhood cancer that is very fatal for children,” he told Coping.
He immediately underwent a 17-hour operation to remove the tumor that doctors discovered.
After six weeks of radiation, Osmond was told his cancer was gone.
Six months later he returned to the stage.
Statement by Merrill Osmond on the death of Wayne Osmond
Merrill Osmond posted the following statement on Facebook sharing the news of his brother Wayne’s death:
“When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had suffered a massive stroke, my immediate response was to fall on my knees and pray for him to be convinced that his mission was accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways. Immediately. drove myself to the hospital in SLC to see him and was able to say goodbye.
“My brother was a saint before he came to this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came
“I have never known a man who had more humility. A man without any guile. An individual who 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 waiting for him on the other side, it will be a great celebration that we cannot even imagine
“My brother Wayne endured a lot. He gave his all. His legacy will be written 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 greatly. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of the greatest sons of our heavenly father.
“Until I see him again, know he was loved,” Brother Merrill.
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The Osmonds, circa 1972, with Donny, Wayne (center, left), Jay, Alan and Merrill Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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Photo by Wayne Osmond undated Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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A group portrait of the Osmonds, including Merrill (back, left), Donny, Marie, Jay, Alan, Jimmy and Wayne (below, right) in LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
‘THIS ONE HITS HARD’
Tributes 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 by the loss of my brother Wayne, Jay wrote.
“It is said that where there is great love there is also great sadness as we part ways during our earthly journey. Throughout my life, I have always felt the most connected to Wayne of all my siblings. He has been my roommate and confidant for decades,” she continues. in the press release.
“As I sat with him visiting 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 peace flying brought him. What makes me happy is knowing that my brother “Wings ” he earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights to which he is now soaring… The reunion with his father and mother must have been spectacular!”
Donny Osmond 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 chance to visit Wayne in prison before he passed away.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to all who knew him, especially me,” he said.
“He was the ultimate optimist and everyone loved him.”
Donny added that all the Osmond siblings were “happy” to have Wayne as a brother.
“Although we are separated in this mortal life, I know that through the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne forever,” he said.
Fans also shared their condolences online.
“So many happy memories of my teenage years with this family and Wayne Osmond. RIP Wayne,” one person wrote on X.
“Rest in peace, Wayne Osmond. One of my mom’s favorite bands when she was younger, I used to listen to the beautiful music the Osmonds made from my mom. This one really hits home because they were a fantastic group. Thoughts and condolences are with the entire Osmond family in this sad moment,” wrote another.
“I’ve been an Osmonds fan for many years and was listening to the greatest hits today and just heard the sad news. Thank you for years of great songs,” added someone else.
Another fan wrote: “Thank you for the music, Wayne Osmond, RIP!”
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