Marie and Donny Osmond Share Heartfelt Tributes After Brother's Passing at 76

Three members of the Osmond family are mourning the loss of their eldest brother, who died at 76. His passing marks a second heartbreak for the family after losing another sibling last year.

Something deeply personal is unfolding behind the Osmond family's latest loss, and it is not immediately obvious why it is striking such a chord.

As entertainers and singers Donny, Merrill, and Marie Osmond speak out on their brother Alan Osmond's death, one message in particular stands out.

Alan, the eldest member of the famed Osmond family, died on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 76, according to KUTV. He passed away at about 8:30 p.m., surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Suzanne, and their eight sons: Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler.

He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Virl, Tom, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Jimmy, and his sister Marie.

A founding member of The Osmonds, Alan helped steer the group to global fame, co-writing hits like "One Bad Apple" and "Crazy Horses." He later retired from performing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) about 40 years ago, according to a press release.

In the days since, his siblings have begun sharing tributes that reveal just how central he was — not just professionally, but personally.

What Donny Revealed About the Brother Behind the Spotlight

In a tribute shared on Instagram, Donny reflected on his early memories with Alan, describing him as his "protector" and "guide," and the one who quietly carried responsibility so others could shine.

He portrayed his older brother as the family's steady leader, whose influence shaped both their careers and their lives. He added:

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.I owe him more than I can ever fully express.I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me.

As Donny paid tribute, Merrill Osmond offered his own reflection on Alan's influence.

How Merrill Described Alan's Final Moments

In a statement obtained by People, Merrill described his final moments with Alan and the impact he left behind. He said:

"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 added that the family is grateful for the support they have received and emphasized their commitment to preserving Alan's legacy and the values he held dear. Merrill concluded by expressing the depth of their loss, noting that Alan will be profoundly missed.

Another sibling offered a more intimate glimpse into their personal bond.

Why Marie's Tribute Feels Especially Personal

Marie also honored Alan in an Instagram tribute, sharing photos and acknowledging how hard it is to sum up a lifetime of memories. She said their bond, as siblings, was uniquely close.

"As his only sister, I know I had a different relationship with him than he had with his brothers, and I must say I loved that!😄 He was always very protective of me (not so sure I love that one)😂 but he was always there if I needed him!" she captioned her post.

She added, "The last thing he said to me was, 'I can't wait to see brother Wayne, so we can be missionary companions together and start preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who never had the opportunity to hear his message of peace and hope in this life.'"

Her message also comes after the family faced another heartbreaking loss not long ago.

The Brother They Lost Just a Year Earlier

The Osmond family faced another heartbreaking loss when their brother, Wayne, died on January 1, 2025.

In a January 2 Instagram post, Donny shared that Wayne "passed away peacefully last night from a stroke" and reflected on the deep bond they shared. He described his brother as someone who brought "so much light, laughter, and love" into his life and called him "the ultimate optimist."

Donny also emphasized the closeness of their family, noting that they were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother, and expressed his belief that they would one day be reunited.

Their brother, Jay, also spoke about the loss in a Facebook post, describing Wayne as someone he felt especially close to throughout his life.

He recalled their shared experiences over the years and reflected on Wayne's love of flying, noting that it brought him peace. Jay also expressed comfort in imagining his brother at peace and reunited with their parents.

Their recent tributes echo a bond that has long been visible in the memories they have shared over the years. As we reported in 2020, Donny dedicated a heartfelt post celebrating Alan's 71st birthday.

To express his love, the singer retrieved old photos from decades ago. It featured at least five of the Osmond brothers: Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Wayne, Jay, Jimmy, and Donny. Marie was missing from the shot.

Donny's Message for Alan

In his caption, Donny pointed out the throwback, then called Alan, the "leader of our pack in every chapter" and "an inspiration."

Donny continued: "Despite the challenges you face with MS, you always have the most amazing and positive outlook." He finished up by wishing his brother a great day.

The five brothers created a train-like effect in the last photo as they stood on a toy wheelbarrow outside. One was seated while the rest bravely balanced themselves on the contraption, holding onto each other so they wouldn't fall.

Together, Marie, Merrill, and Donny Osmond's tributes paint a portrait of a man who was not only the foundation of a musical legacy but also the steady, protective force behind it, leaving behind a family bound even closer by his memory.