Wayne Osmond dies at 73

SALT LAKE CITY — On Thursday, sources close to the Osmond family confirmed to KSL TV that Wayne Osmond has died after suffering a stroke. He was 73.

Osmond was the second oldest of the original performing Osmond Brothers — after Alan Osmand, and before Merill and Jay Osmond. The family achieved worldwide fame playing music, and Wayne Osmond played a large part in it.

Just last year, Wayne Osmond told KSL TV that he very quickly learned to play eight instruments in the early days of his career in the 1960s and ’70s. After many successful performances, Wayne Osmond helped produce “The Donny and Marie Show.”

Then, in 1997, Wayne Osmond was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent treatment through radiation, and in the process lost his hearing and could no longer perform. But with cochlear implants, he could still communicate.

He and his wife, Kathlyn Louise White, have five children and many loving grandchildren.

The Osmond family issued a statement in the wake of the news:

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.

Merril Osmond shared thoughts on social media, saying he rushed to Salt Lake City where Wayne Osmond was hospitalized when he learned of his brother’s stroke. He made it in time, and was able to say goodbye.

“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile,” he wrote. “An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”

Wayne Osmond pictured in an interview with KSL TV’s Carole Mikita. (Eric Bett, KSL TV)

Jay Osmond also took to social media to share the news, saying he was “most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings,” throughout his life.

“He was my roommate and my confidant over the decades. As I sat visiting with him last week at his home he talked about how sad he was that he couldn’t get up in his plane anymore and how much flying brought him peace,” he wrote. “What gives me joy is to know that my brother ‘Wings’ has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring right now.”

This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.

Contributing: Carole Mikita, KSL TV