Wayne Osmond, cherished member of the iconic family music group The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 73. The singer reportedly died peacefully on New Year’s Day, surrounded by his loving wife, Kathlyn White, and their five children. The family confirmed his passing through heartfelt statements shared with multiple outlets, conveying, “His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter has influenced the lives of many people around the world.”
Born Melvin “Wayne” Osmond on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Wayne was the second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers quartet and the fourth among nine siblings. He was known for his exceptional guitar skills and his perfect pitch, which significantly propelled the group to international fame during the 1970s. Alongside his brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, Wayne helped create timeless hits such as “One Bad Apple,” “Down by the Lazy River,” and “Love Me for a Reason.” Their energetic performances and wholesome image won them over numerous fans globally.
Throughout his life, Wayne faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997, leading to surgery and radiation treatment—the aftermath of which caused near-total hearing loss. Remarkably, he returned to performing just six months after treatment, showcasing tremendous resilience. Unfortunately, his health would continue to decline, and he suffered a stroke in 2012, which impacted his ability to play guitar. Though his exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, reports indicate he experienced a “massive stroke” shortly before he passed.
Wayne Osmond’s personal life also reflected his achievements and joys outside music. He married former Miss Utah, Kathlyn White, in 1974, and the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. They raised three daughters and two sons, instilling the same values of faith and love Wayne embraced throughout his life.
Following Wayne’s passing, tributes from family, friends, and fans poured out on social media. Brother Merrill Osmond expressed his sorrow, noting Wayne had recently succumbed to complications from his stroke. “My brother was a saint before he came to this world and will leave as even greater. His exit will make some sad, but for those waiting for him on the other side, there will be celebration beyond anything we can ever envision,” he reflected.
Another tribute from Wayne's daughter, Amy Cook, emphasized her father's impact: “He would want everyone to know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, families are forever, and banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.” The warmth and sentiment echoed throughout the testimonials conveyed the tremendous affection felt for Wayne by those who knew him.
Wayne was the first among his siblings to pass away, leading to emotional tributes from his famous brother and sister, Donny and Marie Osmond, lifestyle icons who had their share of fame from the 1970s variety show “Donny & Marie.” The Osmonds became known for their wholesome performances, blending popular music with gospel influences over decades.
During their childhood, Wayne and his brothers began performing as a barbershop quartet, eventually winning Over audiences after appearing on various platforms, such as Disneyland and The Andy Williams Show. Their blend of tight vocal harmonies and upbeat melodies made them teen idols, resulting in over 77 million records sold worldwide.
Despite the numerous accolades, Wayne’s life was riddled with health challenges, especially after his brain tumor diagnosis. Following treatment, he lost much of his hearing, but he displayed remarkable courage and fought through adversity to return to performing. His brother Jay noted, “He was always my roommate and confidant, and I felt most connected with him. The peace he found in flying as he cherished solitude is something I carry dearly.”
Wayne left The Osmonds about 15 years ago due to health complications, with his hearing greatly affected. Despite these hardships, he made special appearances alongside his siblings, evoking fond memories for countless fans.
The Osmonds are best remembered for their wide-ranging hits, from pop to rock to country. Their greatest successes include “Crazy Horses,” “Love Me for A Reason,” and “Let Me in.” Alongside his siblings, Wayne contributed greatly to the group’s distinctive sound and was regarded not only for his vocal talent but also for his musical arrangement abilities.
Wayne Osmond is survived by his wife Kathlyn and their five children, with his legacy continuing to resonate throughout the music industry and among the many fans whose lives he positively impacted. His loving family and friends continue to share their memories of him, forever honoring the remarkable life he lived.