Founding member of the renowned Osmond family singing group, Wayne Osmond, died on January 1, 2025, at 73 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family confirmed that a stroke was the cause of his death in a statement to local ABC affiliate KTVX.
Wayne Osmond, a member of the iconic Osmond family, passed away with his wife and five children by his side. His impact stretched beyond his musical career, touching lives globally through his dedication to faith, family, and spreading joy. In a touching blend of the profound and playful, his final message emphasized his deep religious convictions about eternal family bonds and his charming appreciation for banana splits. His passing leaves a rich legacy that bridges entertainment, spirituality, and life’s simple pleasures.
Wayne’s brother, Merrill Osmond, revealed that Wayne “had a massive stroke.” Merrill reached the hospital in time to bid his last farewells.
Born into a prominent musical dynasty, Wayne Osmond played a pivotal role as one of the original architects of the Osmond Brothers’ success. As the fourth of nine siblings and second-oldest performer in the group, he was present during their breakthrough moment at Disneyland—a serendipitous performance that caught industry attention and led to their career-defining appearances on “The Andy Williams Show” in the 1960s.
Wayne began his musical journey in 1958 as part of a barbershop quartet, which later evolved into the renowned Osmond Brothers. The group rose to fame in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River.” Their popularity was so extraordinary that the BBC likened their fan frenzy to the hysteria surrounding The Beatles.
The Osmond family bond is powerfully captured in Jay Osmond’s heartfelt tribute to his late brother Wayne. Jay expressed having the closest connection with Wayne among all his siblings, describing their unique relationship and finding solace in the belief that Wayne has found peace, metaphorically “soaring” to new heights. The statement reflects both the profound grief of losing a beloved brother and the comfort found in spiritual beliefs about the afterlife.
Jay Osmond’s tribute to Wayne reveals an intimate glimpse into their exceptional brotherhood. While part of the famous musical family, Jay and Wayne shared a unique closeness that stood out even among their siblings. Jay’s remembrance interweaves his deep sorrow with spiritual comfort, imagining Wayne transcending earthly bounds. Through his words, we see the loss of a famous Osmond and the raw emotion of a brother mourning his closest confidant while finding peace in faith-based solace.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997. While the treatment was successful, it left him almost deaf due to cochlear damage. A stroke in 2012 took away his ability to play the guitar, but he continued to indulge in other activities, such as 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. His siblings, including Marie and Donny Osmond, who had their own successful 1970s variety show featuring guests like Cher and Olivia Newton-John, also survived him. Wayne was the first of the Osmond siblings to die.
The Osmond family was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003 for their noteworthy contributions to the entertainment industry. Wayne’s last appearance on television with his brothers was in 2019.