Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the famous family band The Osmonds, passed away on Monday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 76 years old.
A family representative confirmed that Alan was surrounded by his wife, Suzanne Osmond, and their eight sons at their home in Lehi, Utah, when he died. In the weeks leading up to his death, Alan, who had been using a wheelchair, spent time in intensive care before returning home on Thursday under hospice care.
As a gifted songwriter and performer, Alan played a significant role in crafting some of the Osmond Brothers’ most memorable hits, including “One Bad Apple,” “Crazy Horses,” and “Are You Up There?”
Born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, Alan Osmond embarked on his remarkable musical journey in the 1950s. Alongside his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay, he formed a barbershop quartet, becoming the eldest performer among the group and the third oldest sibling in the family.
Their early performances took them to Utah’s state fairs, but their big break came when a visit to Disneyland led to a television appearance on “Disney After Dark” in 1962.
The Osmond Brothers soon became regulars on “The Andy Williams Show,” where they cultivated their wholesome and energetic image. Their popularity soared in the early 1970s as a quintet, particularly with younger brother Donny Osmond’s rise to stardom. In 1971, the Osmonds achieved an impressive feat by earning nine gold records in a single year, surpassing the previous records held by Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
In the mid-to-late 1970s, Alan became a principal producer on ABC’s hit television show “The Donny and Marie Show,” starring his brother and sister.
The original Osmond Brothers – Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay – returned to the stage in 1982 as a country group and had a handful of hits, including “I Think About Your Lovin.’” At the time, Alan told The Associated Press he switched from recording rock to country music because it better fit their wholesome image.
“Country music really is the backbone of America,” he said. “It doesn’t just come and go. And we’re kind of flag-wavers. You find that in the country area, too.”
In 1987, Alan Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It caused him to retire from performing with his family.
His brother Wayne Osmond died at the age of 73 in 2025 after suffering a stroke.
In a statement on social media Tuesday, Donny Osmond called Alan Osmond his “protector” and “guide,” saying he was “the one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine.”
Merrill Osmond also paid tribute in a social media post, explaining that he saw his ailing brother two days prior.
“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,” he wrote on Facebook. “I need you to know this … he has not left me. I have felt him. I have felt his quiet encouragement telling me to keep going … to keep building faith … to keep sharing light.”
Alan is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his eight sons, Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler; 30 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brothers Virl, Tom, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Jimmy and sister Marie.
Service plans are forthcoming.
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