Alan Osmond dies at 76 after long MS battle

Alan Osmond, a key member of The Osmonds, has died after a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis. He passed away on Monday in the US, with his wife Suzanne and their eight sons by his side in Utah. Osmond was diagnosed with MS in 1987, and while his cause of death has not been revealed, his family said his approach to the disease never wavered.

In a statement, they highlighted the impact he had on others while living with the condition. “His positive outlook was an inspiration to many, and he donated much of his time speaking at MS events, encouraging individuals like himself on how to mentally and physically deal with the advancement and treatment of the disease,” the statement said.

Osmond’s career began early. He rose to fame as a child in the late 1950s, appearing on The Andy Williams Show in 1958 when he was just 12, performing with younger brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay as a barbershop quartet. With the later addition of Donny and Jimmy, the group became The Osmonds, going on to major success in the 1970s with hits including Love Me For A Reason and Down By The Lazy River.

As well as performing, Osmond became known for his songwriting, penning tracks such as One Bad Apple and Crazy Horses. While some members later pursued solo careers, including Donny’s work with sister Marie, Alan remained a central part of the band until he stepped away in 2007.

After leaving the group, he continued to build projects close to his heart, launching a Fourth of July celebration event called the Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah, with brother Merrill, and co-founding the OneHeart Foundation, a charity supporting orphans. In 2024, he published his memoir One Way Ticket.

He also spoke candidly in later years about his MS diagnosis and the role faith played in how he faced it. “I was on stage and couldn’t raise my right hand. I trusted my Heavenly Father. You have to have opposition in life – this was my test,” he said.

Osmond married Suzanne Pinegar in 1974. He is survived by Suzanne, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.