Wayne Osmond dead at 73: The Osmonds legend passes away peacefully as family pay tribute
Wayne Osmond has died at the age of 73.
The Osmonds legend’s passing on New Year’s Day was confirmed by his family in an emotional statement to KTVX.
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” said the family’s statement, obtained by local ABC affiliate KTVX.
“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has touched the lives of many people around the world.
“He wants everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families last forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him very much.”
His famous siblings include Marie Osmond and Donny Osmond.
Wayne Osmond has died at the age of 73; seen in Las Vegas in 2007
The Osmonds with Wayne, Jay, Merrill, Jimmy, Marie, Alan and Donny on a visit to Britain circa 1974 in England
The Utah native was the second-oldest of the Osmond Brothers’ original singers and the fourth-oldest of the nine Osmond children.
Wayne Osmond is the first of the Osmond siblings to pass away.
His siblings include singer and TV star Marie Osmond and famous singer Donny Osmond.
Donny and Marie were world famous for their 1970s variety show, the top show of the time, with guests such as Cher and Olivia Newton-John.
Both Donny and Marie participated in Dancing With The Stars.
Wayne and his family started singing at a young age and rose to fame in the 1960s when they performed at Disneyland.
That led to several appearances on the popular variety show The Andy Williams Show. The Mormon family became known as close-knit and healthy.
Wayne worked with his siblings in Las Vegas, where they had a show, and also often got together for birthdays.
Wayne and his family started singing at a young age and rose to fame in the 1960s when they performed at Disneyland. That led to several appearances on the popular variety show The Andy Williams Show
The Mormon family became known as close-knit and healthy; seen in 1972
Wayne worked with his siblings in Las Vegas, where they had a show, and also often got together for birthdays. Seen in 1973 in London
From left to right: Jay Osmond, Mario Lichtenstein, Jimmy Osmond and Wayne Osmond in Miami in 2011
The crooner had a history of health problems.
In 1997 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was successfully treated, but he lost his hearing.
The treatment damaged his cochlea, leaving Wayne nearly deaf. A stroke in 2012 left him unable to play guitar.