The Osmond family confirmed the passing of their second-oldest brother in a statement Wednesday (Jan. 2) to Salt Lake City news station KSL TV.
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the statement read. “His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.”
Born in 1951, Osmond was just 7 years old when he formed a barbershop quartet with brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay. Jay Emerson Williams, father of Andy Williams, discovered the foursome following a Disneyland performance. In 1962, the boys were cast over a seven-year period on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show.
Brothers Jimmy and Donny joined the group. They began performing as the Osmonds, reaching teen idol status in the 1970s.
He is survived by his wife, Kathlyn Louise White, and their five children.Remembering Wayne Osmond
After news of Wayne Osmond’s death broke, countless celebrities took to social media to remember the multi-instrumentalist.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me,” Donny Osmond wrote on X/Twitter of his older brother. “He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”
