Wayne Osmond, singer, guitarist and founding member of the family act The Osmonds, has died. He was 73.
Tragically, Wayne suffered a massive stroke before his passing, as confirmed by his brother Merrill Osmond in a heartfelt Facebook post.
His brother, Donny Osmond, posted on social media:
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
Wayne was an original member of The Osmonds, comprised of siblings Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay Osmond.
Donny Osmond later joined and the group skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s.
Merrill Osmond posted on his Facebook page that Wayne died this week at a Salt Lake City hospital after suffering a "massive stroke."
He was the second oldest of nine children raised in a Mormon household in Ogden, Utah.
The Osmonds were known for such 1970s teen hits as "One Bad Apple," "Yo-Yo" and "Down By the Lazy River."
Wayne's career was marked by immense talent, but also significant health struggles. In 1997, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was successfully treated but left him nearly deaf.
Years later, he experienced a stroke in 2012 and faced additional challenges, including cancer.
Despite these obstacles, Wayne's resilience shone through. He famously returned to the stage just six months after treatment, continuing to inspire fans with his determination and love for music.
Merrill shared how he rushed to the hospital to say his goodbyes, emphasizing Wayne's profound impact on their family and fans worldwide.
Wayne leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Kathlyn White, their five children, and a legacy defined by faith, music, and love.
