Singer, brother of Donny and Marie Osmond, was 73

Singer Wayne Osmond, best known as a member of the family pop band The Osmonds, has died. He was 73.

Tracey Beaumont, a representative for Osmond’s sibling Merrill Osmond, confirmed his death in an email to USA TODAY on Thursday. A cause of death was not announced.

Osmond, the brother of fellow pop singers Donny and Marie Osmond, “passed away peacefully” surrounded by his family, Osmond’s family told ABC News affiliate ABC4 and Fox News affiliate Fox 13 in a statement.

“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has influenced the lives of many people around the world,” the singer’s family said. “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.”

Singer Wayne Osmond, best known as a member of the family pop group The Osmonds, died on Wednesday.

Two of Osmond’s siblings, brothers Merrill and Jay Osmond, mourned his death on social media. Merrill wrote on Facebook that Osmond suffered a “severe stroke” before his death.

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“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave an even greater saint than when he came in,” Merrill, 71, wrote. “I have never known a man so humble. A man without any guile. A person who was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”

He added: “His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those waiting for him on the other side there will be a huge celebration beyond anything we can imagine.”

Meanwhile, Jay shared in his Facebook tribute that he “felt the most connected to Wayne out of all my siblings.”

“He was my roommate and my confidant for decades,” Jay, 69, wrote. “When I visited him at his home last week, he talked about how sad he was that he could no longer get on his plane and how much peace flying brought him.

“What brings me joy is knowing that my brother ‘Wings’ has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is currently climbing 😇 The reunion he must have had with his father and mother was certainly spectacular! “

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Donny Osmond mourns the loss of his “dear brother” Wayne Osmond

Donny Osmond paid tribute to his “dear brother Wayne” on Thursday in an Instagram post that included a retro black-and-white photo of Osmond. Donny revealed that he had visited Osmond in the hospital shortly before his death.

“Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and loved by everyone,” Donny wrote. “I certainly speak for all of our siblings when I say we were lucky to have Wayne as a brother.”

He concluded: “Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that through the grace and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity.”

Wayne Osmond achieves musical fame with The Osmonds

The Osmonds began in 1958 as a barbershop quartet in Osmond’s native Ogden, Utah, and their early lineup consisted of Osmond and his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay. The singer’s younger siblings, Donny and Jimmy, later joined the group, while sister Marie launched a solo country career in the early 1970s.

While performing at Disneyland, the group was discovered by Jay Williams, father of singer and talk show host Andy Williams, who booked The Osmonds to appear on his eponymous variety show in 1962. Osmond and his family became regulars at The Andy Williams. Show,” which appeared in over 20 episodes from 1962 to 1966, according to IMDb.

The Osmonds launched a full-fledged pop career with a string of hit singles and albums released in the ’70s, including their 1971 breakthrough hit “One Bad Apple.”

As the group became more creative, the Osmonds’ sound shifted toward rock and roll, beginning with 1972’s “Phase III.” Osmond served as lead guitarist during this period.

The Osmonds’ momentum slowed in the mid-1970s due to the launch of the Donny and Marie variety show Donny & Marie, which ran on ABC from 1976 to 1979. According to IMDb, Osmond appeared in four episodes of the series.

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Singer, brother of Donny and Marie Osmond, was 73

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