Wayne Osmond, original singer of the Osmond Brothers, has died at the age of 73

Wayne Osmond, the second oldest brother in the Osmond Brothers singer group, has died. He was 73 years old.

The singer and guitarist, who was the fourth eldest of Osmond’s nine children and the older brother of popular duo Donnie and Marie Osmond, died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his wife and five children, his daughter Amy Osmond-Cook announced Thursday. In a statement Posted on Facebook. The family also launched a Celebration of Life page On stage to commemorate the late musician.

“His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter touched the lives of so many people around the world. He wants 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 so much,” his daughter’s statement said. “.

Osmond’s younger brother, Donny Osmond, confirmed Thursday that he died of a stroke.

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed away,” the “Donny & Marie” star and Las Vegas headliner said. books On Instagram.

“Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. “He was so upbeat and loved by everyone,” Donnie added. “I’m sure I speak on behalf of all of us siblings when I mention that we were so lucky 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 forever. “I love you, Wayne.”

Wayne Osmond, born Melvin Wayne Osmond in Ogden on August 28, 1951, married Kathleen White in 1974. The multi-instrumentalist underwent surgery for a brain tumor in 1997, and suffered a stroke in 2012 that left him unable to play the guitar. He also had a stroke. He is being treated for cancer, according to Hollywood Reporter. But he reunited with his brothers in 2019 He sings with his brothers On the occasion of Sister Mary’s sixtieth birthday.

Representatives for Marie Osmond did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times’s requests for comment.

Brother Merrill Osmond said on Facebook that Wayne Osmond recently suffered a “massive stroke” and is receiving treatment at a Salt Lake City hospital. He said that Wayne “endured a lot” and “did everything he could,” and praised his brother’s “genius in his ability to write music” and “capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God.”

“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave it a greater saint than he came into it.” Meryl Osmond books Thursday on Facebook. “I never knew a man who was more humble. A man who had absolutely no cunning. 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.”

Wayne’s younger brother, Jay Osmond, also said on Thursday that he was “deeply saddened” by the death and that “a true legend has left the Earth.”

“It is said that where there is great love, there is great sorrow when we are parted during our earthly journey. Throughout my life, I have always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all my brothers. He has been my roommate and best friend over the decades books On Facebook.

Jay Osmond said that when he visited his brother last week, Wayne Osmond was sad that he could no longer fly the plane and that “flying brought him peace.”

“What makes me happy is knowing that my brother Wings has gained his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is flying now. I’m sure his reunion with mom and dad was amazing!” he said.

Family patriarch George Osmond, the soldier who launched his children’s entertainment careers in the late 1950s, died in 2007. His wife, Olive Osmond, died in 2004.

Both husband and wife passed their passion for music – George as a singer and Olive as a saxophonist – to their children and formed the Osmond Brothers Band with sons Alan, Wayne and Jay Osmond. (The couple’s eldest sons, Verl and Tom, have degenerative hearing loss that affects their speech.) George taught the quartet how to sing four-part harmonies when they were children, and they performed in front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Ogden, Utah). They also performed at fairs and amusement parks in the late 1950s.

The family made their way to Los Angeles in 1962 to audition for “The Lawrence Welk Show” but did not get the gig. As a consolation, George Osmond took the family to Disneyland. The boys were dressed alike and the Main Street barbershop quartet took notice. They were asked to do a number with the group; The performance lasted over an hour. according to D23The Osmonds were then brought to the Disneyland Entertainment Office, where they signed their first professional contract.

While performing at Disneyland, singer Andy Williams’ father discovered them and recommended the group to his son, eventually leading the Osmond brothers to book a five-year network television run on “The Andy Williams Show.”

The group added younger brother Donnie Osmond in 1963, changed its name to The Osmonds, and appeared on “The Jerry Lewis Show” before signing with a record label. They produced 34 gold and platinum records in the 1960s and 1970s, according to the Associated Press, including the 1971 chart-topping hit “One Bad Apple (Don’t Spoil the Whole Bunch).” Other Billboard Hot 100 Hit songs include “Down by the Lazy River,” “Yo-Yo,” “Love Me for a Reason,” and “Crazy Horses.”

Donnie and his younger sister Mary have also performed separately and as a duo to great success in music and television. Wayne appeared frequently on the “Donnie and Marie” variety show, which ran from 1975 to 1979 and which he sometimes produced.