The artist and member of the group The Osmond, formed in 1958 with his brothers, died on January 1 at the age of 73.
Vocalist Wayne Osmond, band member The Osmondsdied this Wednesday, January 1, as his relatives confirmed to local media KSL TV. The musician was 73 years old.
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the statement read.
“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter influenced the lives of many people around the world. (…) We love him and will miss him greatly,” added those close to him.
Stroke and hospitalization
The second oldest of nine siblings, Wayne Osmond created a barbershop-style vocal quartet – a four-part a cappella singing form – in 1958 with his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay. Later joined by two other brothers, Jimmy and Donny, the group became known by performing at fairs and amusement parks under the name The Osmonds.
At the beginning of the 1970s, the group had a string of successes with titles such as One Bad Apple, Yo Yo, Down by the Lazy River or Love Me For a Reason. But The Osmonds would eventually break up in 1980. In 2003, however, the group was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On social networks several brothers of Wayne Osmond came out of silence to pay tribute to him. “My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of my brother,” Jay Osmond shared on Instagram.
“What makes me happy is knowing that my brother has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is reaching right now,” he continues in his post.
On Facebook, Merrill Osmond clarified that his brother Wayne had suffered a “massive stroke” and that he had been hospitalized shortly before his death.
“His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who await him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine,” he said .
