Wayne Osmond, one of nine musical Osmond siblings, died Wednesday (Jan. 1) after suffering from a stroke. He was 73.
Videos by American Songwriter
The Osmond family confirmed the passing of their second-oldest brother in a statement Wednesday (Jan. 2) to Salt Lake City news station KSL TV.
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the statement read. “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.”
Born in 1951, Osmond was just 7 years old when he formed a barbershop quartet with brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay. Jay Emerson Williams, father of Andy Williams, discovered the foursome following a Disneyland performance. In 1962, the boys were cast over a seven-year period on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show.
Brothers Jimmy and Donny joined the group. They began performing as the Osmonds, reaching teen idol status in the 1970s.
He is survived by his wife, Kathlyn Louise White, and their five children.
Remembering Wayne Osmond
After news of Wayne Osmond’s death broke, countless celebrities took to social media to remember the multi-instrumentalist.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me,” Donny Osmond wrote on X/Twitter of his older brother. “He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”
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.
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) January 2, 2025
Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist… pic.twitter.com/J0I2W2QwMG
Singer-songwriter Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the legendary Frank, joined Wayne and his brothers onstage during “The Nancy Sinatra Show” at The International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969. The ’60s icon shared photos of the performances on X/Twitter.
“Wayne and his brothers are a talented lot and their performances were electric,” wrote Sinatra, 84. “Having them join me on stage twice a night was a thrill I’ll never forget.”
I was saddened to hear of Wayne Osmond’s passing. Wayne and his brothers are a talented lot and their performances were electric. Having them join me on stage twice a night was a thrill I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his wife Kathlyn and their children as well as the… pic.twitter.com/VM8MBLOW0Q
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) January 2, 2025
Featured image by Brian J Ritchie/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.