Alan Osmond, the eldest brother of the famed musical group The Osmonds, passed away on April 20 at the age of 76. His death comes just over a year after the loss of his brother Wayne, who died in January 2025. The Osmonds, originally a barbershop quartet, made a name for themselves in the music industry during the 1970s, becoming one of the first famous boy bands and musical families.
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The group was initially formed by Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay Osmond. As their popularity soared, they were joined by their younger siblings Donny and Jimmy Osmond. Notable hits from their career included “One Bad Apple,” and they gained substantial exposure as regular guests on The Andy Williams Show, leading to their status as household names across the UK and beyond.

Alan’s early life was marked by a unique family dynamic, as he and his brothers began performing while their older siblings, George Virl and Tom Osmond, who were born largely deaf, did not take an active role in the band’s musical pursuits. Their sister, Marie Osmond, also carved out her own successful solo career after releasing her hit “Paper Roses” in 1973, further solidifying the family’s musical legacy.

As time went on, the brothers pursued individual musical careers, with Alan stepping away from the spotlight nearly 40 years ago due to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. During his time away from performing, he focused on philanthropic efforts, significantly contributing to initiatives such as the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and the One Heart Foundation, which aimed to support orphans.
Alan married Suzanne Osmond in July 1974, and together they welcomed eight sons, several of whom followed in their father’s musical footsteps. His family remained close to him during his final days, with his brother Merrill expressing gratitude for the time spent together shortly before Alan’s passing. Merrill described Alan as a “gifted creator” and a “man of faith,” highlighting the profound impact Alan had on his family and the community.
Wayne Osmond, who experienced numerous health challenges after the band’s initial success, faced a brain tumour diagnosis in 1997 and subsequent hearing loss. Tragically, he suffered a stroke in 2012 that left him unable to play guitar, and he ultimately passed away following another stroke in January 2025. His brother Donny commemorated his spirit, describing him as a beacon of light and optimism.
Meanwhile, siblings Merrill and Jay Osmond have continued to stay active in the entertainment industry, with Merrill taking on the role of executive producer for various television programmes, while also releasing a memoir, *Black Bear: My Life Story*. Although he largely retired from performing recently, Merrill hinted at releasing a new album titled *Unbroken*.
Jay Osmond had a multifaceted career that included stepping away from the group to obtain a degree from Brigham Young University. He played a significant role behind the scenes of The Osmonds, producing television specials and choreographing performances. In 2022, he created *The Osmonds: A New Musical*, which premiered in England, reflecting on the family’s musical journey.
Donny Osmond has flourished in his own right, transitioning from group success to a thriving solo career and partnership with Marie. Their television show *Donny & Marie* captivated audiences from 1976 to 1979, and they later reunited for a successful Las Vegas residency that ran for over a decade. Recently, Donny made a return to the stage with a role in *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat* in Edinburgh, and continues to release music, including his latest album, *Start Again*.
The youngest sibling, Jimmy Osmond, embraced his childhood fame and built a successful career, achieving numerous accolades, including six gold records. He also took on leadership as president of Osmond Entertainment while receiving an honorary doctorate from Iowa Wesleyan College in 2015. Having faced health struggles since suffering a stroke in December 2019, Jimmy is currently focusing on family life, shying away from public performances.
The Osmond family’s journey has been one of musical achievements, personal challenges, and enduring legacies. As they navigate life post-Alan, the remaining siblings continue to contribute to the entertainment industry while cherishing their family bonds and the rich history they have created together.
