Alan Osmond Of The Osmonds Dead At 76

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of The Osmonds, has passed away at age 76. He died at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, according to his family spokesperson via ABC4 Utah and KUTV.

He was not alone in his final moments. His wife, Suzanne Pinegar Osmond, and their eight sons were with him, KUTV reported. A cause of death is unknown at this time, but Alan retired from performing after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, according to the outlet.

Alan was famous for forming The Osmonds with his brothers Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and later Donny in the 1970s. They were known for hits One Bad Apple, Crazy Horses, Are You Up There?, and more. Over the years, Alan also helped create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised over $2 million for children’s hospitals. He also helped launch the One Heart Foundation to support orphans, per ABC4 Utah. Incredible!

Alan’s brother Merrill was quick to pay tribute to him, saying in a statement to People:

“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.”

He continued:

“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.”

The 72-year-old also opened up in a lengthy Facebook post, sharing that he “was blessed to sit quietly with him” and share a “heart to heart” two days before he died. The musician reflected:

“He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled. In a tender moment I will never forget, he leaned close and whispered something into my ear. He said, ‘Merrill, you and I worked side by side. We created, we produced, we directed… we gave our hearts to The Plan with Wayne. Please… do something with it. Let people know what we were trying to say.’ I want you to know, his request will be honored.”

Merrill wrote:

“My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace. His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose.”

Alan even had a message for his fans, Merrill shared:

“He wanted me to tell you how much he loved you, and I believe that with all my heart. He gave everything he had to the Lord, to his family, and to all of you. He truly was a missionary. He truly was a saint.”

The mourning brother went on:

“And I need you to know this… he has not left me. I have felt him. I have felt his quiet encouragement telling me to keep going… to keep building faith… to keep sharing light. His testimony is not gone, it lives on, and it will continue to be felt far beyond this life.”

Merrill very emotionally concluded:

“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. Before he passed, I whispered one request to him. I asked him, when he gets there… please give my son Troy a big hug for me. He looked at me and promised he would. And somehow… I believe that promise has already been kept.”

Wow. See (below):

Along with his many siblings, Alan leaves behind his wife, kids, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, according to KUTV. We are sending our love to them all! May he rest in peace.

[Image via Judy Eddy/WENN & Cher/YouTube]