Wayne Osmond has died at the age of 73.
The singer, known for his efforts in The Osmonds alongside his brothers Alan, Meryl, Jay, Jimmy and Donny Osmond, died on Wednesday evening.
His loved ones confirmed the sad news in a statement to several US media outlets, saying: “Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children.”
His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has touched the lives of so many people around the world.
“He wants everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best candy.”
“We love him and will miss him very much.”
Wayne’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but Merrill said he suffered a “massive stroke” shortly before his death.
Through his Facebook page, he shared a lengthy tribute to his late brother through a series of old photos.
He added: “When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had suffered a massive stroke, my immediate reaction was to drop to my knees and pray for him for assurance that his mission was accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in so many ways.” He said.
“I immediately headed to the hospital in SLC to see him and was able to say goodbye. My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave a greater saint than he came into it.
“I never knew a man who was more humble. A man who had absolutely no guile. An individual who was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.
He continued: “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 massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine.”
My brother Wayne has endured a lot. He gave it his all. His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God.
I will miss him terribly. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of Heavenly Father’s greatest children. And until I see him again, know that he was loved, Brother Merrill.’
Later in a letter of his own, Jay wrote: “A true legend has left Earth. My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of my brother Wayne. It is said that where there is great love, there is great sorrow when we are parted during our earthly journey.
“Throughout my life, I have always felt most connected to Wayne out of all my brothers. He has been my roommate and best friend for decades.
He added: “As I sat with him last week at his home, he talked about how sad he was that he couldn’t get on his plane anymore, and how flying had brought him so much peace.”
“What makes me happy is knowing that my brother Wings has gained his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring now.
“I’m sure his reunion with his mom and dad was amazing!”
The Utah native rose to the spotlight at an early age, fronting barbershop quartet The Osmond Brothers with his talented brothers, Alan, Merrill and Jay in 1958.
Younger brothers Jimmy and Donnie joined them, and they rebranded, changing their name to The Osmonds.
The group became popular and performed regularly on The Andy Willaims Show during the 1960s, while dropping hits including Mister Sandman, Take A Chance on Love, and Movin’ Along.
One of their most famous songs, One Bad Apple, rose to the top of the charts in the 1970s, and they followed that with Yo-Yo, Down By The Lazy River and Love Me For A Reason.
Aside from the Osmonds, Jimmy and Donnie also became solo artists, while the latter also recorded a series of duets with their sister Marie Osmond.
Away from the spotlight, Wayne married his wife, Kathleen Whittum, in 1974, and they raised a large family of their own, welcoming three daughters and two sons together.
He suffered a series of health problems in subsequent years, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997.
“I was diagnosed with ependymoma – a childhood cancer that is very fatal to children. It was located behind the cerebellum. It was very large where it was – it was one inch long and two inches long,” he told Coping Mag of his disease. He underwent surgery to remove the tumors.
I returned to performing six months after my diagnosis. I wore a cowboy hat on stage because my hair had fallen out due to the radiation. But after a while it grew again.
He added: “The best part of all of this is that I have become closer to my beloved Cathy.” ‘She’s an absolute angel. I am a very blessed man. This is what I am.
Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives of the Osmond family for comment.
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