Wayne Osmond, The Osmonds founder, dead at 73
Wayne Osmond, one of the founding members of the pop group The Osmonds, has died at 73.
The singer, who was part of The Osmonds along with siblings Donny, Jimmy and Marie, passed away on New Year’s Day surrounded by his wife and five children. According to posts by members of the Osmond family on social media, Wayne’s cause of death was a stroke.
The Osmonds formed in Utah in 1958, originally featuring Wayne alongside his siblings Alan, Merrill and Jay. However, in the 1970s, once they integrated Jimmy and Donny into the line-up, The Osmonds became one of the most popular groups around thanks to hit singles ‘Crazy Horses’ and ‘Love Me For A Reason’. Wayne performed with the group from 1958 until 2007.
In a statement, Donny said of his brother’s passing: “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 and was loved by everyone.”
Donny’s tribute continued: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother. Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity. I love you, Wayne,” Donny Osmond’s tribute finished.
Meanwhile, Jay Osmond said of Wayne: “Throughout my life I have always felt most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings. He was my roommate and my confidant over the decades. As I sat visiting with him last week at his home he talked about how sad he was that he couldn’t get up in his plane anymore and how much flying brought him peace.”
Merrill Osmond, who co-founded The Osmonds with Wayne in 1958, said: “When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways.”
Wayne is survived by all of his siblings as well as his wife, Kathy, and their five children.
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