Introduction:
This morning’s studio felt charged with nostalgia and warmth as Merrill Osmond, the unmistakable voice and smile of the legendary Osmond family, joined us for an intimate and revealing conversation. From the moment he stepped in—charming, humble, and disarmingly candid—Merrill reminded everyone why the world has adored the Osmonds for generations.
The visit coincides with the release of The Osmonds: The Ultimate Collection, a compilation capturing every major hit from one of music’s most enduring families. “It’s amazing,” Merrill said with genuine excitement. “Every single Osmond hit is on there. People are still buying it—I can’t believe it.” His enthusiasm was infectious, bridging decades of music history in a moment.
But nostalgia wasn’t the only thing on the table. Over the weekend, a deeply personal documentary titled Being the Osmonds aired, unveiling the struggles, fractures, and emotional battles that existed behind the family’s famously wholesome public image. Merrill admitted the family had “cringed” while waiting to see what would be revealed—but in the end, he was grateful. “People finally saw the tension. It was confusing at times, but through it all, we loved each other. That’s the key.”
One of the documentary’s most affecting moments was Merrill’s revelation about battling lifelong depression—an experience he described with quiet bravery. “I didn’t know what it was,” he reflected. “People would say, ‘Come on, pull yourself together.’ But when you lose hope, there’s nothing else.” He spoke openly about a moment when despair nearly cost him his life, crediting what he believes was divine intervention for pulling him back. “There is light. We just need to be ready for it.”
Despite the hardships, Merrill has found purpose in transforming adversity into wisdom. “Everything negative that’s ever happened can be used for good,” he said. “If your ego doesn’t get in the way, you can learn from it—and help others who are struggling too.”
Family remains at the heart of his story. While the siblings have gone through strains, particularly during the shift from rock hits like Crazy Horses to the bubblegum-pop era of The Donny & Marie Show, Merrill emphasized that the bonds are stronger than ever. And in a moment that thrilled longtime fans, he confirmed what many have hoped for: “There will be one last concert. The fan mail has been overwhelming—we’ve made a commitment to come back.”
Before leaving, Merrill shared stories of meeting icons like Paul McCartney and Queen Elizabeth, laughed about tabloid mishaps, and teased upcoming projects from the next generation of Osmonds. Yet through all the fame, he remains grounded. “We’re normal people,” he said with a smile. “We just love our fans.”
As the studio lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Merrill Osmond’s legacy isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, faith, and a life lived with unwavering gratitude.