Alan Osmond, Oldest Osmond Brother, Dies at 76

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the legendary family singing group The Osmonds, died on Monday at his home in Lehi, Utah. He was 76.

His wife Suzanne and their eight sons were with him at the time of his death, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

"I might have MS, but MS doesn't have me." — Alan Osmond's personal mantra regarding his multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Health History

Alan Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately 40 years ago. This diagnosis led to his retirement from performing with The Osmond Brothers in 1987. He had been in hospice care following a week in intensive care prior to his death.

Career

Born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, Alan began performing in the 1950s with his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay as a barbershop quartet. The group performed at state fairs in Utah before appearing on television on "Disney After Dark" in 1962. They later became regulars on "The Andy Williams Show."

The Osmonds—initially consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay—were a boy band that gained attention after performing at Disneyland. Younger brothers Donny and Jimmy later joined the group.

The Osmonds had 13 songs in the Billboard Hot 100, including "One Bad Apple," which reached No. 1 in 1971. In 1971, the group achieved nine gold records in a single year.

Alan Osmond co-wrote hits including "One Bad Apple," "Crazy Horses," and "Are You Up There?" with his brothers Merrill, Wayne, and Jay. In the mid-to-late 1970s, he served as a principal producer on "The Donny and Marie Show," a variety show that aired on ABC between 1976 and 1979. The original Osmond Brothers reunited as a country group in 1982 and had hits such as "I Think About Your Lovin'."

Alan and Merrill Osmond created "Stadium of Fire," an annual Independence Day celebration in Provo, Utah.

Survivors

Alan Osmond is survived by:

• His wife Suzanne, to whom he was married for 51 years
• Eight sons: Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler
• 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren
• Brothers: Virl, Tom, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy
• Sister: Marie

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Olive Osmond, and his brother Wayne.

Statements

"He was the family's rock. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine." — Donny Osmond

According to a family statement, Alan Osmond's mantra regarding multiple sclerosis was: "I might have MS, but MS doesn't have me."

According to a press release, Alan Osmond recently commented that he was looking forward to reuniting with his brother Wayne, who died last year: "We still have a lot of work to do together — there is much catching up to keep us busy for a very long time."

Merrill Osmond wrote on Facebook that he visited Alan two days before his death: "We talked as brothers do, heart to heart. He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle ... and then he smiled." Merrill Osmond asked fans to celebrate Alan Osmond's life rather than mourn, noting his belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Service plans are forthcoming.