Introduction:
After the passing of Wayne Osmond, the Osmond family is grieving deeply.
Breaking her nine-month social media pause, Marie Osmond posted a moving tribute on Instagram this Wednesday, following the death of her older brother Wayne at age 73 on New Year’s Day in Utah after suffering a stroke.
“I am so grateful that just a few weeks ago I took a long drive and spent time with my brother Wayne,” she wrote. “I truly felt the Spirit urging me to see him — and I am so thankful I heeded that call. I will treasure those hours with him for the rest of my life. Little did I know that only days later he would suffer a massive stroke.
“I’ve said nothing — no interviews, no statements — until now. The truth is, putting this into words is far too difficult. But I will try my best to honour one of the most loving men I have ever known. Wayne’s death has created another enormous void in my heart.
“He had a long and successful career as entertainer, musician and songwriter — a founding member of our family band the Osmonds. But what stands out to me as his sister are the joy-filled, laughter-rich moments we shared, and our deep intellectual conversations that always lifted me. He was forever my safe harbour when I needed advice.
“Wayne loved deeply, and he lavished that love upon his beautiful wife Kathy — the love of his heart — and his children and grandchildren. That was all he talked about! I also admired his steadfast devotion to God our Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, Wayne remained an honourable member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; his faith was his guiding compass and he bore witness of God’s great plan for us. If you can, listen to one of his favourite albums written by my brothers, The Plan.
“So right now, if I could say anything to him I’d say: ‘Wayne, I could not cherish more the gift from God to be loved by you in this life! You are a true, loving brother, and I will miss you so very much. I testify, with every fibre of my heart and soul, of my great love for you! #TillWeMeetAgain.’
“I know many of you understand what it feels like to lose someone precious. My deepest prayers are with you — and also with those suffering from the devastating fires in California.”
Their brother Merrill Osmond previously confirmed Wayne’s passing after the stroke. “I’ve never known a man with more humility. A man without a trace of guile. Someone quick to forgive and able to show unconditional love to every person he ever met. Until we meet again, know that he was loved,” he wrote in part.
Born August 28, 1951 in Ogden, Utah, Wayne Osmond began singing in the late 1950s with his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay in the barbershop-quartet the Osmond Brothers. They gained national exposure in 1962 on the NBC variety show The Andy Williams Show, eventually joined by younger brother Donny. Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathlyn; their three daughters and two sons; and his siblings, among whom he was the fourth‐oldest.