Wayne Osmond, founding member of the iconic Osmond family singing group, passed away on January 1, 2025, at age 73 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His death, caused by a stroke, was confirmed by his family in a statement to local ABC affiliate KTVX.
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the family statement read. “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.”
Wayne’s brother Merrill Osmond shared that Wayne “had a massive stroke.” Upon hearing the news, Merrill immediately drove to the hospital and “was able to say [his] goodbyes.”
The second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers singers and fourth oldest of nine Osmond children, Wayne was part of the group that rose to fame in the 1960s after being discovered while performing at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This discovery led to regular appearances on The Andy Williams Show, launching their career in entertainment.
Wayne’s musical journey began as part of a barbershop quartet in 1958, evolving into the famous Osmond Brothers. The group achieved significant success in the 1970s with hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River.” Their popularity reached remarkable heights, with the BBC noting they generated “Beatles-esque” levels of excitement.
His brother Jay Osmond expressed his deep connection with Wayne, stating, “I have always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings. What gives me joy is to know that my brother Wings has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring right now.”
Throughout his life, Wayne faced significant health challenges. In 1994, while performing in Branson, Missouri, he experienced concerning symptoms. “One day when I was working in Branson, I noticed I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore because my head would start throbbing. And my knees would fall out from under me when I was on stage. This all began happening within a week,” Wayne told Coping magazine. This led to his diagnosis with ependymoma cancer, requiring a 17-hour surgery and weeks of radiation therapy.
In 1997, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was successfully treated but left him nearly deaf due to cochlear damage. A stroke in 2012 ended his ability to play guitar, though he continued to find joy in other pursuits, including fly fishing and spending time with his family.
Wayne is survived by his wife Kathlyn Louise White, whom he married in 1974, and their five children. He leaves behind his siblings, including Marie and Donny Osmond, known for their successful 1970s variety show that featured guests such as Cher and Olivia Newton-John. He was the first of the Osmond siblings to pass away.
The Osmond family received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, recognizing their significant contribution to entertainment. Wayne’s last television appearance with his brothers was in 2019.
