Wayne Osmond, Beloved Member of the Osmond Brothers, Passes Away at 73
Wayne Osmond, a cherished member of the iconic Osmond family and one of the founding members of the Osmond Brothers, passed away on New Year’s Day at the age of 73. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, celebrating Wayne’s life and legacy in heartfelt tributes that underscored his impact on music, faith, and family values.
“Wayne’s legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter touched countless lives around the globe,” the Osmond family shared in a statement. “He would want everyone to remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are eternal, and that banana splits are the ultimate dessert. We love him deeply and will miss him profoundly.”
A Musical Legacy
Born in 1951, Wayne Osmond was the second-oldest sibling in a musical family that would go on to achieve worldwide fame. Alongside his brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, Wayne helped form “The Osmonds,” a band that captured hearts with their harmonious vocals and family-friendly performances. The group, which began as a quartet performing locally in their hometown of Ogden, Utah, skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming teen idols and earning their own television show, The Osmond Family Show.
Their journey began when golden-age singer Andy Williams discovered the brothers during a performance at Disneyland. The Osmonds became regulars on The Andy Williams Show throughout the 1960s, eventually transitioning to chart-topping musical success and international tours.
Beyond their glittering careers, the Osmond family’s deep-rooted faith and values guided their actions. The brothers famously used their success to support their siblings Virl and Tom, who were born deaf, and to fund their missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Loving Farewell
Wayne’s passing was marked by an outpouring of love from his family, who shared poignant memories of their beloved “Wings,” a nickname affectionately given to him by his brother Jay. “My heart aches for the loss of my brother,” Jay wrote in a touching tribute. “But I find joy knowing he has earned his wings and is soaring to unimaginable heights.”
Wayne’s brother Merrill revealed that Wayne passed away after a massive stroke. The family, grateful for the time they had, gathered to say their goodbyes before his passing. “My brother entered this world as a saint and left it an even greater saint,” Merrill reflected. “His departure brings sorrow here, but I know there’s a grand celebration awaiting him in heaven.”
My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed.
Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist… pic.twitter.com/J0I2W2QwMG
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) January 2, 2025
An Eternal Legacy
Wayne Osmond’s life embodied the values he held dear: faith, family, and music. He was the first of the original Osmond Brothers to pass away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire fans and loved ones. From their beginnings in Utah to earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Wayne’s contributions to the family’s success and his unwavering kindness will not be forgotten.
As the Osmonds mourn the loss of their beloved brother, they also celebrate his extraordinary life, confident that his influence and memory will live on for generations to come.
