A beloved figure in one of America's most famous musical families has said his final goodbye surrounded by loved ones.
According to Daily Mail, Wayne Osmond, a member of The Osmonds and brother to Marie and Donny Osmond, passed away peacefully on New Year's Day at age 73 after suffering a massive stroke.
The family confirmed his death through an emotional statement to local ABC affiliate KTVX, expressing their deep love and appreciation for Wayne's legacy of faith, music, and laughter that touched countless lives worldwide. His brother Merrill Osmond shared that upon hearing about Wayne's stroke, he immediately rushed to the hospital to bid farewell.
Wayne Osmond played a pivotal role in The Osmonds' rise to fame, starting with performances at Disneyland in the 1960s. As the second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers singers and fourth oldest of nine Osmond children, he helped establish the group's wholesome image through appearances on The Andy Williams Show. Their Mormon family values and close-knit relationships endeared them to audiences worldwide.
The Osmonds went on to achieve teen idol status, with Wayne continuing to perform alongside his siblings in various venues, including Las Vegas. Their success extended beyond music, with his siblings Donny and Marie becoming household names through their 1970s variety show that featured guests like Cher and Olivia Newton-John.
Throughout his career, Wayne demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of health challenges. His dedication to music and family remained unwavering even after facing significant medical obstacles.
Wayne's health journey took a difficult turn in 1997 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite successful treatment, complications arose as the procedure damaged his cochlea, resulting in near-total hearing loss. His medical challenges continued when a stroke in 2012 left him unable to play guitar.
Speaking to Coping magazine about his initial health decline in 1994, Wayne shared his experience. According to Wayne:
One day when I was working in Branson, I noticed I couldn't play my saxophone anymore because my head would start throbbing. And my knees would fall out from under me when I was on stage. This all began happening within a week.
His brother Jay Osmond expressed the deep connection they shared, noting that he always felt closest to Wayne among all his siblings. The family's statement about Wayne's passing reflected their strong faith, with his daughter Amy Cook sharing that he died surrounded by his wife Kathlyn Louise White and their five children.
Wayne Osmond's death marks the first passing among the Osmond siblings, leaving a profound impact on the family and their countless fans. His brother Merrill's tribute captured the family's spiritual perspective on his passing when he said:
My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in. His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who are waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine.
The musical legacy Wayne helped build continues through his surviving siblings, including Marie and Donny Osmond, who have maintained successful careers in entertainment. His contribution to The Osmonds' success helped establish one of America's most enduring musical families.
His influence extended beyond just music, encompassing values of faith, family unity, and perseverance through adversity. The family's touching tribute noted his love for simple pleasures, including his belief that "banana splits are the best dessert."
Wayne Osmond, an integral member of The Osmonds and a beloved family man, passed away at age 73 after suffering a stroke on New Year's Day 2025. His peaceful passing occurred while surrounded by his wife and five children in Utah, marking the first loss among the nine Osmond siblings. His legacy encompasses decades of musical achievement, unwavering faith, and family devotion, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment history through his contributions to The Osmonds' success and his personal triumph over health challenges.
