"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!" Marie wrote on Instagram
Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty; Arlene Richie/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Marie Osmond has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother Alan on Instagram following his death on Monday, April 20 at age 76
- “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!” the “Paper Roses” singer wrote in the post
- Alan, who was the oldest member of The Osmonds, had retired from performing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, KUTV reported
Marie Osmond is paying tribute to her late brother, Alan Osmond, following his death at age 76.
Alan, who was born in Ogden, Utah, died at around 8:30 p.m. local time on Monday, April 20, a spokesperson for the family confirmed to ABC4 Utah and CBS affiliate KUTV.
The singer, who was the oldest member of The Osmonds, had retired from performing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, KUTV reported.
After Alan’s brothers, Merrill, 72, and Donny, 68, shared social media tributes following their sibling’s death, their only sister Marie, 66, also posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
She shared on Tuesday, April 21, “Writing about your sibling's passing is not something easily done. The years and years of memories I have of my big brother Alan could never be written in a few words—it would take volumes—but I shall try,” adding multiple photos of Alan and his family taken through the years.
Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty
Marie continued, “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 shared how “Alan had so many incredible talents, from singing to performing to playing multiple instruments,” adding, “He wrote hit records and albums, one of my favorites being the album ‘The Plan.’ He produced TV shows, large events, and music videos, including my video, ‘No Stopping Your Heart.’ So when I decided to honor the original four Osmond Brothers and fly them [to] Hawaii to perform together one last time, Alan tearfully said, ‘So you're producing me now,’ " appearing to reference her Hawaii birthday concert in 2018.
The musician remembered of the special moment, “He hugged me and said, ‘Thank you, I get to be on stage one last time with my brothers.’ The determination he manifested to stand up out of his wheelchair and be next to his brothers was simply unbelievable!!!”
Credit: Stuart Mostyn/Redferns
Brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and later Donny, formed The Osmonds in the 1970s, before they skyrocketed to fame. The brothers were raised by parents George Virl Osmond and Olive May, in Utah, alongside their brothers Virl, Jimmy and Tom, and sister Marie.
Marie continued in her post, “Alan became our leader at age 12. How daunting that must have felt to have that immense responsibility, to lead at such a young age. But he never complained. He told me many times, ‘It felt like a mission… a long one ☺️, but I loved doing it.’ And he did it for us and for all of you! But what I admired the most about my brother is his devotion and love for God and family! Those were his priorities… Always!”
“In a quiet moment, I had the most unique feeling come over me. I felt my Mom. It was like she said to my heart, ‘Honey, do you remember how excited you were for the birth of your child? Well, that's how excited I am for the rebirth of my child here,’ " Marie shared, referencing her late mom Olive May, who died in May 2004 at age 79.
The “Paper Roses” singer wrote, “What a joyous reunion and rebirth that took place on the other side. I know he's happy.”
“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.’ That’s my brother Alan!! I love you so very much and will miss you dearly,” Marie concluded, adding a broken heart emoji.
Wayne Osmond died in January 2025 at age 73.
Marie’s post came after Donny also paid tribute to Alan on Instagram, calling him his “protector” and his “guide,” among many other things.
“I owe him more than I can ever fully express,” Donny’s post included. “I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me. Till we meet again.”
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Meanwhile, Merrill Osmond said in a statement obtained by 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."
"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," he added.
Alan is survived by his wife, Suzanne Pinegar Osmond, of 51 years, as well as his sons Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler, KUTV reported. He also has 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the outlet.
Suzanne and their eight sons were by Alan’s side when he died, the publication stated.
Through the years, Alan helped create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised over $2 billion for children’s hospitals, as well as launching the One Heart Foundation to help support orphans, ABC4 Utah reported.
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