Alan Osmond, eldest brother of music group The Osmonds, dies at 76

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of family singing group The Osmonds, died Monday. He was 76.

His wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons were by his side at the time of his passing, according to a statement obtained by NBC affiliate KSL-TV.

Alan, one of nine Osmond siblings, had retired from performing four decades ago after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987. 

His brother Donny, 68, shared a heartfelt tribute to his brother on Tuesday.

“My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”

His brother Merrill, 72, revealed he was able to spend time with Alan two days before he passed, and have a “heart to heart” conversation.

“He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled,” Merrill wrote. He continued, “My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace… So please, don’t let your hearts be heavy. Don’t weep for him. Rejoice, knowing that your brother, your friend, your hero is no longer in pain. He is free. He is whole. He is home.”

Alan Ralph Osmond was born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah. His musical career began in the 1950s, when he and his brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay formed a barbershop quartet that performed for their Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Osmonds became regulars on “The Andy Williams Show” where they gained national attention, peaking as a quintet with the addition of Donny in the early 1970s. The show also helped launch his younger siblings’ careers as Donny became the breakout star.

The two eldest brothers, Virl and Tom, born nearly completely deaf, were not part of the performing lineup but they still contributed to the family’s musical world.

In the mid-to-late 1970s, Alan became a principal producer on ABC’s hit television show “The Donny and Marie Show,” starring his brother and sister.

Throughout his life, Alan played a major role in launching the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has generated more than $5 billion for children’s hospitals, according to Marie’s website. He also created the One Heart Foundation to provide support for orphans.

Alan is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his sons Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler; along with 30 grandchildren, five great‑grandchildren and his remaining siblings. His brother Wayne Osmond died on January 1, 2025, in Utah after suffering a stroke at age 73.