Alan Osmond, Founding Member of The Osmonds, Dead at 76
Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the beloved singing group The Osmonds, died Monday, April 20, at his home in Utah following a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 76. His brother Merrill Osmond announced the death in a Facebook tribute that drew an outpouring of condolences from fans worldwide.
From Utah Farm to National Stage
Alan Osmond was born in Ogden, Utah, to George and Olive Osmond, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along with brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay, he began performing as a barbershop quartet in 1958, singing at local competitions, Disneyland, and other venues.
In 1962, the group was invited to appear on The Andy Williams Show, where they proved so popular they returned as regulars through 1967. The weekly program gave the boys a national following and helped establish them as one of the most recognizable acts in variety television history.
Teen Idols and Chart-Topping Hits
As younger brother Donnie joined the lineup, the group's profile surged. The Osmond Brothers — soon known simply as The Osmonds — became international teen idols in the early 1970s. They released a string of hits including "One Bad Apple," "Love Me for a Reason," "Crazy Horses," and "Down by the Lazy River," selling millions of records and touring globally.
Alan, as the eldest sibling, played a central creative role throughout the group's run. He worked closely with Merrill as a songwriter and producer, shaping much of the group's output during its most commercially successful years.
From 1976 through 1979, the family's focus shifted when Donny and sister Marie Osmond launched the popular weekly variety series Donny & Marie. Alan and the older brothers supported the production during its run before the group transitioned into lower-profile work through the 1980s.
A Four-Decade Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
Alan Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987, the same progressive neurological disease that has affected actress Christina Applegate. He largely retired from performing after the diagnosis, though he made occasional appearances in the years that followed.
He and brother Wayne officially retired from the stage at the group's 50th anniversary show in 2007. Alan remained active in philanthropy despite his declining health. He helped establish the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised more than $2 billion for children's hospitals across North America. He also helped launch the One Heart Foundation to support orphaned children around the world.
Survivors and Recent Losses
Alan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzanne, and their eight sons: Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler. He leaves behind 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as his surviving siblings.
His death comes roughly 15 months after the passing of brother Wayne Osmond, who died January 1, 2025, following a stroke at age 73. The two had retired together and remained close until the end. In a period marked by notable entertainment losses, Alan's death closes a chapter for a family that helped define American pop culture across multiple decades.
Merrill Osmond's Tribute
In his Facebook post, Merrill described visiting Alan two days before he died. "He leaned close and whispered something into my ear," Merrill wrote. "He said, 'Merrill, you and I worked side by side. We created, we produced, we directed… we gave our hearts to The Plan with Wayne. Please… do something with it. Let people know what we were trying to say.'"
Merrill called his brother's passing a peaceful homecoming: "My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace. His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose."
He added: "Don't weep for him. Rejoice, knowing that your brother, your friend, your hero is no longer in pain. He is free. He is whole. He is home."
The Osmonds came of age alongside some of the most enduring entertainers of the 1970s, and Alan Osmond's role as founder, producer, and songwriter remains central to that era's legacy. He was 76.
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