Wayne Osmond, 73, dies as family pays heartfelt tribute: ‘Will miss him dearly’
Wayne Osmond, a member of the iconic family music group The Osmonds, has died at the age of 73.
The singer passed away on New Year’s Day 2025, as confirmed by his family to local ABC affiliate KTVX.
He was known for performing alongside his brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Jimmy and Donny Osmond as part of The Osmonds.
According to a family statement, Wayne Osmond “passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children”.
The cause of death has not yet been made public.
The Utah native was the second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers singers and the fourth oldest of the nine Osmond children.
His family shared an emotional tribute, stating: “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”, the statement continued.
“We love him and will miss him dearly”, the family concluded.
Osmond was married to Kathlyn White, who had previously been crowned Miss Davis County Fair and Miss Utah of 1974. He leaves behind his wife and their five children.
Born in 1951 in Ogden, Utah, Wayne and his brothers began their musical journey as a barbershop quartet.
The group rose to prominence after becoming regular performers on The Andy Williams Show.
The Osmonds achieved remarkable success, selling over 77 million records worldwide.
The group was best known as a quartet featuring brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay, later expanding to include younger siblings Donny and Jimmy.
Their sister Marie launched her own successful career in 1973, both as a solo artist and performing duets with Donny.
The family’s success extended to television with their variety show “Donny & Marie,” which ran until 1979.
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It didn’t take long for fans to share poignant tributes online, with many taking to X to express their sadness over the news.
One penned: “Thank you for the music, Wayne Osmond, RIP!”
“Aww….I loved the Osmond Brothers when I was little. My first real record albums. (yeah..I’m that old) RIP Wayne,” another shared.
A third wrote: “Wayne was pivotal to their success. Both his brother Alan and Merrill confirmed how important he was to the Osmond sound. #RIPWayne.”
“RIP Wayne Osmond. Sad to hear of his passing. Such a kind gentleman,” another commented.
“RIP Wayne Osmond, you were a perfect Gentleman and you were loved very much. Xx #WayneOsmond,” a different X user posted.
An additional fan added: “I’m absolutely stricken to hear that Wayne Osmond has died at the age of 73. I had the privilege of meeting him several times. His family had a profound impact in my life. My condolences to the rest of the Osmond family.” (sic)