- Wayne Osmond’s brothers Donny, Merrill and Jay confirmed in social media posts that he passed away on January 1
- He died in Salt Lake City after a stroke
- He was 73 years old
Wayne Osmond’s cause of death was revealed by his brothers Donny, Merrill and Jay in social media posts shared on Thursday, January 2.
They revealed that he had died on January 1st in Salt Lake City after suffering a stroke. He was 73 years old.
“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed,” Donny, 67, wrote on Instagram. “Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to all who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and loved by all.”
Osmonds lead singer Wayne Osmond — brother of Donny and Marie — died at 73
He added: “I’m sure I speak for each of us brothers and sisters when I say that we were blessed 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.”
Donny closed the post by writing, “I love you Wayne. Your brother forever.”
Merrill, 71, paid tribute to his late brother, whom he called a “saint,” on Facebook. He explained that he immediately drove to the hospital when he heard about his brother’s stroke to say goodbye.
“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,” Merrill wrote, calling his death “a sad moment.”
He continued: “My brother Wayne endured a lot. He gave it 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 greatly miss growing up with one of my heavenly father’s greatest sons, know that he was loved.”
Jay, 69, also shared a tribute on Facebook, calling his brother a “true legend”.
“My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of my brother Wayne. It is said that where there is great love there is great sadness as we part ways during our earthly journey,” Jay wrote. “Throughout my life, I’ve always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all my siblings. He’s been my roommate and confidant for decades.”
At the time, Wayne’s rep did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Wayne sang in a barbershop quartet with his older brother Alan and younger brothers Merrill and Jay. They were first established in 1958 for their congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ogden, Utah. In the end, they all went their separate ways.
In 1974, Wayne married Kathlyn White, a former pageant queen. They welcomed five children together.
Over the years, he experienced a number of health problems. In 1997, Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor and as a result of the treatment, he almost completely lost his hearing. He also had a stroke that left him unable to play the guitar in 2012.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education