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Alan Osmond, founding Osmonds member, dies at 76
Alan Osmond, founding member and eldest sibling of The Osmonds, has died at 76. The family confirmed he died April 20 surrounded by loved ones, as tributes from brothers Merrill and Donny remember his leadership and lasting impact.
Long before family pop groups became a TV staple, The Osmonds were already setting the template: tight harmonies, relentless touring, and a sibling lineup that moved from barbershop roots to global chart success. Alan Osmond, the eldest brother and a founding member of the group, has died at 76.
Alan died Monday (April 20), according to a family statement shared with Utah broadcaster KSL-TV. He was surrounded by his wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons. He had lived with multiple sclerosis since 1987.
Born and raised in Ogden, Utah, Alan launched his music career in 1958, forming a barbershop quartet with brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay. The act expanded as younger brothers Donny and Jimmy joined, and a key break came in 1961 when they were spotted at Disneyland by Jay Emerson Williams, father of singer Andy Williams. By 1962, the brothers were regulars on The Andy Williams Show, a platform that introduced them to a national audience.
Through the 1970s, The Osmonds became a major commercial force, selling more than 77 million records worldwide. Their run included hits like “Crazy Horses”, “Love Me For A Reason”, and “Let Me In,” alongside five UK Top 10 singles and four UK Top 10 albums.
Tributes from within the family have focused on Alan’s role offstage as much as on it. Brother Merrill Osmond said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my beloved brother, Alan Osmond. I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together. Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many.
“Our family is thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We will honor his memory and the message he cared so deeply about. He will be missed beyond words.”
Donny Osmond also shared a personal tribute, posting one of the earliest photos of the two of them together. In his message, he wrote: “Even back then, you can see that he had his arm around me, watching over me. That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine.
“Alan was our leader in every sense of the word. His tireless work helped build everything we became. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he showed—not just to me, but to every member of our family.”
The Osmonds continued performing together through their 50th anniversary in 2007, when Alan and Wayne retired due to health issues. Wayne Osmond died in January 2025 at age 73.
In 2024, Alan published his memoir, One Way Ticket, reflecting on his years in music and his decades-long experience living with multiple sclerosis.
