After Wayne Osmond‘s death, The Osmonds are mourning a loss in their family.
Breaking her nine-month social media hiatus, Marie Osmond paid tribute to her late older brother with a heartfelt statement Wednesday on Instagram, after Wayne died at age 73 on New Year’s Day in Utah after suffering a stroke.
“I’m so grateful that just a few weeks ago, I was able to take a long drive to spend time with my brother Wayne,” she wrote in the post. “I really felt the Spirit compel me to go see him, and I’m so thankful I listened to what I was feeling. I will cherish those hours I spent with him for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that just a few days after my visit, he would have a massive stroke.
“I haven’t done any interviews or issued any statements until this post. The truth is, it’s just too hard to put into words, but I will try my best to honor one of the most loving men I have ever known. Wayne’s death has left another giant hole in my heart.
Reflecting on Wayne’s “long and successful career as an entertainer, musician, and songwriter,” founding their family band The Osmonds, Marie continued, “But what stands out to me as his sister were the joy-filled, humorous times I spent laughing with him and our deep intellectual conversations that left me edified. He was always my safe place to go when I needed advice.
“Wayne loved deeply, and he showered this love upon his beautiful wife, Kathy, whom he loved with all his heart, and his beautiful children and grandchildren. It’s all he ever talked about! I admired him, too, for his deep love and unwavering devotion to God our Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, Wayne was an honorable member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was his eternal compass, and he was a light to others as he testified of God’s great plan for us in this life. If you can, listen to one of his favorite albums that my brothers wrote ‘The Plan’.
“So right now, if I could say anything to him, it would be: ‘Wayne, I could not cherish the gift God gave me more than to be loved by you in this life! You are a true, loving brother, and I will miss you so very much. I testify eternally of my great love for you with every fiber of my heart and soul! #TillWeMeetAgain,” added Marie. “I know many of you understand these feelings from losing your loved ones. My deepest prayers are with you and also those dealing w/ devastating fires in CA.”
Their brother Merrill Osmond previously confirmed Wayne’s death after he suffered a stroke. “I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met. Until I see him again, know that he was loved,” he wrote in part.
Alan Osmond, Jimmy Osmond, Wayne Osmond, Marie Osmond, Merrill Osmond, Donny Osmond and Jay Osmond (Stuart Mostyn/Redferns)
Born on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Wayne Osmond began singing with his siblings Alan, Merrill and Jay in a barbershop quartet called The Osmond Brothers during the late 1950s. They found their break in 1962 on NBC variety show The Andy Williams Show, where they were soon joined by younger brother Donnie.
Wayne Osmond is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathlyn; their three daughters and two sons; and all of his siblings, of whom he is the fourth-oldest.
