The Osmonds legend Alan Osmond has passed away aged 76.
The iconic band’s founding brother and guitarist died on Monday following a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) while surrounded by his nearest and dearest, the family announced in a statement.
The statement read: ‘His positive outlook was an inspiration to many, and he donated much of his time speaking at MS events, encouraging individuals like himself on how to mentally and physically deal with the advancement and treatment of the disease.’
Alan, who shares eight children with wife Suzanne Pinegar, found fame while performing with his siblings on The Andy Williams Show in the 60s.
His singing career began in a barbershop quartet with his brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay, when he was 12. They were later joined by their younger brother Donny.
The Osmonds legend Alan Osmond has passed away aged 76 (pictured in 1973)
They found global fame as a 70s pop sensation, where Alan acted as a key songwriter and composer, for the group and helped write some of The Osmonds’ hits, including One Bad Apple and Crazy Horses.
In November 2021, Alan and his wife Suzanne were honored as Pillars of Utah Valley, while in 2000, he received the Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In his acceptance speech, he said that his time in the military reserve and taking karate lessons from Chuck Norris, helped reinforce the ‘you can do it’ attitude that he learned from his father.
He previously stated that he lived by the motto: ‘I may have MS, but MS does NOT have me!’ He founded and ran the non-profit research and development organisation OneHeart Foundation and also worked as a motivational speaker.
Arguably the best-known Osmond, Donny previously said of his brother: ‘While The Osmond Brothers’ success may now be part of musical history, future historians will certainly recognize that Alan Osmond was definitely the cornerstone of our achievements. Thank you, Alan, for being the leader of the band.’
As well as his music, Alan has written two books, including autobiography Alan Osmond – One Way Ticket with Debbie Ihler Rasmussen and Twice Upon a Time with wife Suzanne, an anthology of their creative take on fairy tales.
He previously said of life in the spotlight: ‘“My family is my priority and my love is unconditional. Show business was our living, but my family is my life. That’s how we survived show business.’
Alan is pictured speaking at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Annual Dinner of Champion in LA in 2010
The Osmonds pictured in 1972 (Front; Donny. Centre, left to right: Wayne, Jay and Alan. Back; Merrill)
Alan’s death comes after the second-eldest band member and fourth-eldest of the nine Osmond children Wayne died last year after suffering a stroke on New Year’s Day.
Wayne’s family said in a statement: ‘Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children.
‘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.’
