Alan Osmond dead: Legendary singing brother dies as famous family pay touching tribute

Legendary Osmond brother Alan Osmond has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed his wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons were at his bedside. The couple also have 30 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. While they did not reveal his cause of death, the star had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1987. The family paid touching tribute in a statement issued through a spokesperson, saying: "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."

Alan was catapulted to fame performing with his siblings following appearances on The Andy Williams Show. He began singing as a barbershop quartet with his brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay, when he was 12. They were later joined by their younger brother Donny and found global fame as a 1970s pop sensation. Alan was a key songwriter and composer, for the group and helped write some of The Osmonds’ hits, including One Bad Apple and the critically acclaimed Crazy Horses.

The group originally began performing to raise money for hearing aids for their older brothers, Virl and Tom Osmond. Speaking about their talent, Alan once said: "It was given to us for a purpose, and when you get a gift, it’s expected that you use it properly. Family is everything, and music helped us put out that message,” he said.

The group became known as the "One Take Osmonds," thanks to the speed at which they could perfect performances. They worked hard on this, even though they were restricted in the hours they could work due to child labour laws.

"We could only work so many hours a day," Alan recalled, "so we’d take the work home and make sure we nailed it on the first take."

Speaking about his MS diagnosis, he said: "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." As he battled the condition, he was inspired by his mother’s mantra: "I may have MS, but MS does not have me!"

Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learned the tragic news. One wrote on Facebook: "So Sad To Hear This News, Osmond Fan, 55 Years Loving This Amazing Family. Rest In Peace, Alan Osmond." Another added: "So sad - he had MS for years. He was the eldest performing Osmond brother. RIP Alan - I met him when I was 13 at the Tropicana Hotel and was so kind to me. My prayers & thoughts to the family."

A third chimed in: "May he Rest In Peace, and his family find peace and comfort at this time. This is so sad. I grew up watching the Osmond family. Sending my deepest and sincere condolences."

A fourth shared: "Very sad news. I loved the Osmonds. Grew up listening to all their music, not to mention the fan magazines. My condolences to the entire family. RIP." A fifth penned: "I'm thinking of his family and loved ones during this difficult time, may his memory live on through his music and legacy."

Meanwhile, a sixth lamented: "So sad... loved all these men ... blessing of comfort for you all and prayers for peace... such a wonderful family and such a good example to all ..."