The Osmonds star Wayne Osmond dies aged 73 as tributes pour in for singer

2 January 2025, 19:20 | Updated: 2 January 2025, 20:00

Wayne Osmond at an Osmonds concert at Wembley Arena, London - 30 May 2008
Wayne Osmond at an Osmonds concert at Wembley Arena, London - 30 May 2008. Picture: Getty

By Josef Al Shemary

The Osmonds legend Wayne Osmond has died aged 73 as tributes pour in for the singer.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The singer, who was a member of the legendary family music group The Osmonds, has died aged 73.

Mr Osmond died peacefully on New Year's Day, his family confirmed in a statement.

"Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children," a family spokesman said in a statement to multiple US outlets on Thursday.

The Osmond Brothers (left to right), Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Donny as they perform on their first TV special, "The Osmond Brothers Show" to be telecast March 28, 1971.
The Osmond Brothers (left to right), Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Donny as they perform on their first TV special, "The Osmond Brothers Show" to be telecast March 28, 1971. Picture: Getty

"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."

The Osmonds rose to the spotlight during the 1960s and 70s, consisting of Wayne and his brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay and Donny.

The Osmonds performingat Wembley, L-R Jimmy, Jay, Alan, Donny and Wayne Osmond
The Osmonds performingat Wembley, L-R Jimmy, Jay, Alan, Donny and Wayne Osmond. Picture: Getty

Born in 1951, Wayne Osmond and his family were mormons, subscribing to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The iconic family quintet, hailing from Utah, Idaho, became incredibly popular with tracks like 'Crazy Horses', 'Love Me For A Reason' and singalong classic 'Down By The Lazy River'.

The Osmonds on stage at the London Palladium circa 1973 in London, England.
The Osmonds on stage at the London Palladium circa 1973 in London, England. Picture: Getty

Wayne Osmond was best known for his backup vocals, and his mastery of a wide variety of instruments - from the guitar and clarinet to the saxophone and even the bagpipes.

He was married to former Miss Utah of 1974 Kathlyn White for 50 years, with whom he raised five children.

Fans of The Osmonds, some of whom have waited all night, cheer the group as they arrive at Capital Radio's offices in London in 1975.
Fans of The Osmonds, some of whom have waited all night, cheer the group as they arrive at Capital Radio's offices in London in 1975. Picture: Getty

He also leaves behind three grandchildren.

Mr Osmond was was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1997, which was successfully treated, but resulted in him losing his hearing almost completely.

He also suffered a stroke in 2012, which left him unable to play guitar.

He is the first of the Osmond family to pass away.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Karen Bass says the restrictions will be in force in downtown areas of LA from 8pm to 6am local time (4am to 2pm UK time).

Los Angeles mayor imposes curfew 'to stop the looting' on fifth day of clashes against immigration raids

The report added that it should become easier for parents to organise “safe play” in their streets, and there should be a national ban on “No Ball Games” signs.

'Too much screen time, not enough play': Calls to ban ‘No Ball Games’ signs to reduce children's reliance on smartphones

The ASA did not uphold complaints about Price appearing to be unhealthily thin, and concluded that the ad was not irresponsible on that basis.

'Not empowering - just objectifying': Advertising watchdog bans Diesel ad featuring Katie Price

A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour.

Police use water cannon in Ballymena after petrol bombs thrown at officers in second night of disorder

Bowel cancer patient Kelly Buckle, 40, is operated on during a state-of-the-art robot assisted surgery performed by the NHS at Solihull Surgical Hub in Solihull Hospital, West Midlands.

Robotic surgery set to soar in NHS as 90% of all keyhole surgeries to be assisted by robots in decade

Despite weaker demand, renters are still facing a limited supply of homes for rent, Zoopla said.

'Still being squeezed': Rent rises slow to four-year low but low-income tenants say crisis far from over

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers of England acknowledge the fans after the teams defeat in the international friendly match between England and Senegal at City Ground on June 10, 2025.

Tuchel insists ‘no need to panic’ as England booed off for second time in four days after shock defeat against Senegal

The biggest lottery prize the UK has seen could still be won after Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw had no winners.

EuroMillions jackpot rolls over again as UK’s largest ever prize of £208m is unclaimed

The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend.

Missiles thrown at police in second night of Northern Ireland disorder following protest over alleged sexual assault

Emergency services at the scene on Russell Close in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, where a man and a nine-year-old girl died in a house fire on Sunday morning.

Father and nine-year-old daughter that died in house fire named, as girl, 11, still fighting for life in hospital

The global superstar has reportedly offered seats to her London tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to families in need through food banks across the city.

Beyoncé 'gives away' gig tickets to low-income families after struggling to fill seats at Cowboy Carter London tour

from next month, women aged 25 to 49 in England who are negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) will receive screening invites every five years.

Cervical screening invites to be sent out every five years for some women in new NHS changes

Alex Eastwood

Kickboxer, 15, who died after charity match had fought 34-year-old man week before

Exclusive
The government is to introduce extra measures to protect emergency workers from religious and racist abuse, LBC has learned.

New laws to clamp down on racial and religious abuse of emergency workers, LBC learns

British Police Officers in London England UK

Police officers sacked for gross misconduct to be blocked from joining local forces in drive to improve standards

On Tuesday, the victims' families announced plans for a new garden space outside the Southport Town Hall inspired by their children's "shared love of dance, music and the arts"

Families of Southport stabbing victims to lead £10m town centre regeneration project in memory of young girls