Wayne Osmond, singer, guitarist and founding member of family act The Osmonds, has died. He was 73 years old.
His brother, Donny Osmond, Posted on social media: “My beloved brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke,” she said, adding that she was grateful she got the chance to visit him in the hospital before he passed away.
Donny Osmond wrote, “Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to everyone who knew him, especially to me. He was the ultimate optimist and everyone loved him.”
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He said, “I'm sure I speak on behalf of all of us siblings when I say that we were lucky to have Wayne as a brother.”
Wayne Osmond was an original member of The Osmonds, consisting of siblings Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay Osmond. Donny Osmond later joined and the group rose to fame in the 1970s.
Merrill Osmond posted on her Facebook page that Wayne died this week in a Salt Lake City hospital after suffering a “massive stroke.” Wayne Osmond was the second oldest of nine children raised in a Mormon household in Ogden, Utah.
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The Osmonds were best known for the 1970s teen hits “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo” and “Down by the Lazy River.”