Alan Osmond, the eldest member of iconic family group The Osmonds, has died at the age of 76 following a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
The musician passed away at around 8:30pm local time on Monday, April 20 at his home in Utah, surrounded by his wife Suzanne and their eight sons. He had been living with the condition since 1987, which ultimately forced him to retire from performing.
A founding member and leader of the group, Osmond played a key role in shaping the band’s success, helping write and produce some of their biggest hits including “One Bad Apple” and “Crazy Horses”. Formed alongside his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay, the group rose to international fame in the 1970s, selling more than 77 million records worldwide and scoring multiple UK top 10 hits, including “Love Me for a Reason”.
Tributes have poured in following his passing, led by his brother Merrill Osmond, who shared an emotional statement. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my beloved brother, Alan Osmond. I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together. Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many.”
He added: “Our family is thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We will honor his memory and the message he cared so deeply about. He will be missed beyond words.”
In a separate tribute, Merrill reflected on their final moments together, writing: “My dear friends, Two days before my brother, Alan, passed, I was blessed to sit quietly with him. We talked as brothers do, heart to heart.”
“He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled."
He continued: “In a tender moment I will never forget, he leaned close and whispered something into my ear. He said, ‘Merrill, you and I worked side by side,' ” adding, “ 'We created, we produced, we directed… we gave our hearts to The Plan with Wayne. Please… do something with it. Let people know what we were trying to say.’ I want you to know, his request will be honored.”
Merrill also wrote: “My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace. His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose.”
He added: “And I need you to know this… he has not left me. I have felt him. I have felt his quiet encouragement telling me to keep going… to keep building faith… to keep sharing light. His testimony is not gone, it lives on, and it will continue to be felt far beyond this life.”
Encouraging fans not to mourn, he said: “So please, don’t let your hearts be heavy. Don’t weep for him. Rejoice, knowing that your brother, your friend, your hero is no longer in pain. He is free. He is whole. He is home.”
He concluded with a deeply personal message: “Before he passed, I whispered one request to him. I asked him, when he gets there… please give my son Troy a big hug for me. He looked at me and promised he would… And somehow… I believe that promise has already been kept.”
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Brother Donny Osmond also paid tribute, sharing: “This is one of the earliest pictures I have of my brother Alan and me. Even back then, you can see that he had his arm around me, watching over me.”
He added: “That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine.”
“Alan was our leader in every sense of the word. His tireless work helped build everything we became.”
Donny continued: “I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he showed—not just to me, but to every member of our family.”
“I owe him more than I can ever fully express. I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me. Till we meet again.”
Born in Ogden, Utah in 1949, Osmond began performing as a child, forming a barbershop quartet with his brothers before being discovered and rising to fame through appearances on The Andy Williams Show. He later became a key creative force behind the group’s music and television projects, including The Donny and Marie Show.
Beyond music, he was also involved in major charitable efforts, helping to create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised over $2 billion for children’s hospitals, and launching the One Heart Foundation to support orphans.
A family spokesperson said: “Upon meeting the entertainer, an ever-ready smile was ever prevalent. One might feel as though they had known him all their life.”
They added: “Others’ importance seemed to outshine his own, and he especially treasured the countless fans who supported the group.”
Osmond is survived by his wife Suzanne, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
