Wayne Osmond, a cherished member of the iconic band The Osmonds, passed away at the age of 73 on Wednesday due to a stroke. Known for his dedication to music and family, Wayne’s passing marks the end of an era for the beloved group that captivated audiences for decades. He leaves behind his wife, Kathlyn White, whom he married in 1974, and their five children. Wayne’s life was a testament to resilience and love, characterized by his deep bonds with his siblings and enduring passion for music.
The Osmonds began their illustrious career singing barbershop tunes in Ogden, Utah. The original lineup included Wayne and his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay Osmond. As their popularity soared, brothers Donny and Jimmy Osmond joined the group, further enriching their sound. The band achieved fame with several hit tracks, including "Crazy Horses," "One Bad Apple," and "Down by the Lazy River." Their unique blend of harmonies and showmanship won them a loyal fanbase worldwide.
In 1994, Wayne Osmond faced a daunting health challenge when he was diagnosed with ependymoma, a type of central nervous system tumor. Despite the diagnosis, Wayne remained optimistic and grateful for the time he had with his loved ones. Reflecting on his battle with illness, Wayne shared, "It was located up behind my cerebellum," explaining the severity of the tumor. "For where it was pretty big — it was an inch around and two inches long." He expressed gratitude for his wife Kathy during these trying times, saying, "The greatest part of all this is that I've become even closer with my sweetheart, Kathy. She's an absolute angel. I'm a very, very blessed man. That's what I am."
Wayne's siblings remember him fondly for his warmth and humility. Jay Osmond described him as his "roommate and confidant," while Donny Osmond highlighted Wayne's capacity for forgiveness and unconditional love. "I'm sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother," Donny remarked. Merrill Osmond praised Wayne's success in life beyond music, stating, "When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways."
The Osmonds continued to evolve over the years. In the 1980s, they revived their group to explore country music, showcasing their versatility as artists. Their only sister, Marie Osmond, also found success in music with a solo career that began in the 1970s. The family reunited in 2007 for a special 50th-anniversary show in Las Vegas, delighting fans with performances of their classic hits.
Wayne's passing has deeply impacted his family, who cherish their final moments with him. Donny Osmond visited Wayne in the hospital shortly before his passing, expressing gratitude for their time together. Despite the sorrow of separation, Donny remains hopeful for a future reunion beyond this life. "Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity. I love you, Wayne," he shared.
