Alan Osmond, Co-Founder of The Osmonds, Passes Away at 76
Alan Osmond, Legendary Member of The Osmonds, Passes Away at 76
Alan Osmond, the eldest brother of the renowned singing group The Osmonds, passed away at his home in Utah on Monday, April 20. He was 76 years old and had been battling multiple sclerosis for four decades.
Merrill Osmond, Alan’s brother and bandmate, shared the news of his passing in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. "My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace," he wrote. “His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose. His creativity, his vision, and his deep understanding of the Savior’s teachings were simply part of who he was. He lived it. He felt it. He shared it. He wanted me to tell you how much he loved you, and I believe that with all my heart. He gave everything he had to the Lord, to his family, and to all of you. He truly was a missionary. He truly was a saint.”
Originally known as the Osmond Brothers, Alan, along with siblings Wayne, Merrill, and Jay, began their music career in 1958 as a barbershop quartet in Utah. Raised by their parents, George and Olive Osmond, the four boys grew up in a devout household as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They gained fame through competitions and performances at iconic venues like Disneyland, ultimately landing a regular spot on The Andy Williams Show from 1962 to 1967.
As their popularity soared, they welcomed their younger brother, Donny, who brought his own unique charm to the group. The Osmonds soon became international stars, producing hits in the 1970s such as "One Bad Apple," "Love Me for a Reason," "Crazy Horses," and "Down by the Lazy River."
By the late 1970s, the group pivoted to support Donny and sister Marie on their popular variety series, Donny & Marie. Alan Osmond remained a key figure, contributing as a leader, producer, singer, and guitarist, and collaborating with Merrill on song writing.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, Alan’s legacy extends beyond music. He was instrumental in founding the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised over $2 billion for children’s hospitals, and established the One Heart Foundation to aid orphans.
Alan Osmond is survived by his wife Suzanne, his sons Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler, as well as 30 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his siblings. His brother Wayne succumbed to a stroke on January 1, 2025, at age 73.
Merrill Osmond’s tribute concluded with a personal recounting of their last moments together. He reflected, "He has not left me. I have felt him… He is free. He is whole. He is home."
Osmond’s impact on music and philanthropy will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to resonate through his family and followers.
