Wayne Osmond
C Brandon/Redferns/Getty ImagesDonny AND Marie Osmondhis brother Wayne Osmond died at the age of 73.
Brother of singers Merrill Osmond shared the news of Wayne’s death in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 2. Wayne died a day earlier in Salt Lake City after suffering “a massive stroke,” the social media post said.
“My brother was a saint before he came into this world and will leave an even greater saint than he came,” Merrill’s post continued. “I have never known a man who had more humility. A man of absolute (sic) no guile. An individual who was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he met.
He added, “His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine.”
The Osmonds. From left to right are (back) Merrill, Donny, Marie and Jay, (front) Alan, Jimmy and Wayne in London, England in the 1970s.
Tony Russell/Redferns/Getty ImagesMerrill, 71, wrote that Wayne “suffered a lot” during his life.
“He gave everything. “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 and bring them closer to God,” Merrill added. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of my heavenly father’s greatest sons. Until I see him again, know that he was loved.”
A handful of families have produced multiple music stars, building a legacy of talent across generations that reaches further than most solo artists can hope to achieve — but along the way, many of these families have faced controversy, tragedy and chaos. . The Jackson family, for example, called the “Royal Family of Pop”, gave over a dozen successful (…)
Wayne was a member of The Osmonds along with Donny, 67, Merrill and two of their other brothers. Alan AND Jay. (The Osmond family also includes Mr., Tom, Mariet AND Jimmy.)
A statement released by the Osmond family on Thursday shared that Wayne died on Wednesday, January 1 and was surrounded by his wife. Kathleen Whiteand their five children.
“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter have touched the lives of many around the world,” the statement continued. “He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that sharing bananas is the best dessert.” We love him and will miss him dearly.”
Wayne reached the height of his fame in the 1970s while performing alongside his brothers. He moved from his native Utah to Missouri in the 1990s and suffered several health problems over the years. Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997, which severely affected his hearing. Before his death, he also suffered a stroke in 2012. Wayne’s last appearance with the rest of the Osmond family was in 2018.
