Wayne Osmond has passed away at the age of 73. His family announced that Wayne sadly died on New Year’s Day.
The cherished member of the iconic group The Osmonds was said to have passed away ‘peacefully’ and surrounded by his family. Wayne was married to Kathlyn White, a former Miss Davis County Fair and Miss Utah of 1974.
The music legend leaves behind his wife and their five children. A statement issued by his family read: “Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children.”
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They added: “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.” Born in 1951 in Ogden, Utah, Wayne joined with his brothers to start a barbershop quartet.
The group gained fame and expanded their act, becoming regulars on The Andy Williams Show. The Osmonds have sold over 77 million records worldwide.
The group had its best-known configurations as a quartet billed as the Osmond Brothers consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay. They later performed as a quintet when younger siblings Donny and Jimmy joined.
Their only sister Marie, who rarely sang with her brothers at that time, launched a successful career in 1973, both as a solo artist and as Donny’s duet partner. In 19756, the group transitioned into television with Donny & Marie, a popular variety show that ran until 1979.