Wayne Osmond, who achieved fame singing with his brothers in The Osmonds, has died at the age of 73.
The news was confirmed by his family on Thursday (January 2), who described him as a “beloved husband and father” and said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and five children.
His daughter Amy Cook wrote on Facebook that “his legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. 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.”
The Osmonds formed in 1958 in their hometown of Ogden, Utah, with Wayne joined by his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay. Originally a barbershop quartet, they went on to be discovered by Jay Emerson Williams, father of Andy Williams, at a performance at Disneyland in 1961.
Wayne played guitar in the group and they were later joined by their younger siblings Donny and Jimmy and had great commercial success in the 1970s, selling over 77 million records worldwide. They became defined by tight vocal harmonies and upbeat melodies, with their sound ranging from country and rock to bubblegum pop. They are best remembered for hit singles ‘Crazy Horses’, ‘Love Me For A Reason’ and ‘Let Me In’.
On Facebook, Wayne’s brother Jay posted his own tribute, writing: “A true legend has left the Earth. My heart is deeply saddened for the loss of my brother Wayne. 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. 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.”
Wayne left The Osmonds in 2007 due to health issues, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour 10 years earlier. He was successful in treating the illness, but it left him with a damaged cochlea, harming his sense of hearing. A stroke in 2012 also left him unable to play guitar.
Osmond is survived by his wife of 50 years Kathlyn and their five children.
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