Wayne Osmond, a founding member of the Osmonds singing group, has died. He was 73.

On Thursday, January 2, Wayne’s brothers Donny, Merrill and Jay confirmed the news in social media posts, announcing that he died on January 1 in Salt Lake City from complications of a stroke.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. “I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed away,” Donny, 67, wrote on Instagram. “Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and loved by everyone.”

“I certainly speak for all of our siblings when I say that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother,” Donny added. “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.”

The “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” singer concluded his post by saying, “I love you, Wayne. Your brother forever.”

Meanwhile, Merrill wrote on Facebook that when he found out about his brother’s stroke, he immediately went to the hospital to say goodbye. He then praised his brother and called him a “saint.”

“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,” Merrill, 71, wrote, adding his death was a “sad moment.”

“My brother Wayne endured a lot. He gave everything. “His legacy will go down in history as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but also was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God,” concluded he. “I will miss him very much. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of Heavenly Father’s greatest sons. Until I see him again, know that he was loved.”

In his own Facebook tribute, Jay called his late brother “a true legend.”

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my brother Wayne. It is said that where there is great love, there is also great sorrow as we part on our earthly journey,” Jay, 69, wrote. “Throughout my life, of all my siblings, I have felt the most connection to Wayne. He was my roommate and my confidant over the decades.”

A representative for Wayne did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Wayne, who was the fourth of nine children, sang in a barbershop quartet with his older brother Alan and younger brothers Merrill and Jay. They were first organized in 1958 for their congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ogden, Utah.

In 1961, the Osmond brothers were discovered singing at Disneyland and became regulars there The Andy Williams Show. Eventually brothers Donny and Jimmy and sister Marie joined. In 1971, the group reached the peak of their fame with the release of “One Bad Apple.” The song stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard 100 for five weeks.

Shortly afterwards the band split up. Jimmy pursued a solo career while Donny and Marie, 65, began singing as a duo.

Wayne married Kathlyn White, a former beauty queen, in 1974. They had five children together.

Over the years, Wayne has had a number of health problems. In 1997 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and lost almost all of his hearing as a result of treatment. Then, in 2012, he suffered a stroke that left him unable to play guitar.

Wayne spoke about his health in a 2004 interview with Coping With Cancer magazine, saying the disease made him appreciate life even more.

“The best part is that I have become even closer to my sweetheart, Kathy,” Wayne said of his wife. “She is an absolute angel. I am a very, very blessed man. That’s what I am. …I became enlightened. And now I look back and think: I’m glad I have cancer. Isn’t that something? It really opened my eyes. This made me realize that life really matters. And I’m only 52 years old – I hope I can live to be 52!”