atch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Donny Osmond Reveals Secret Romance That Almost Ended His Teen Career
Donny Osmond, the American icon known for his angelic voice and heartthrob status in the 1970s, recently shared a deeply personal chapter of his life—his secret romance with Debbie, the woman who would later become his wife. In a candid interview on BBC Sounds’ Loose Ends, Donny revealed that his relationship with Debbie was hidden for years because he feared it would derail his wildly successful teen idol career.
At the height of his fame, Donny’s fan base, which consisted mostly of teenage girls, saw him as their own. The revelation of his romance sparked a dramatic backlash, with fans reportedly organizing “Donny Osmond burning parties” where his albums were destroyed. Despite the risk to his career, Donny explained that he felt overwhelmingly lonely and craved something genuine in his life. “I was completely lonely around 19 years old,” he admitted. “I fell in love with this little girl named Debbie… and dated her for three and a half years secretly.”
Debbie, a cheerleader from Billings, Montana, was completely removed from the entertainment industry. Donny described her as the steady presence he desperately needed. “My teenage career would have fallen anyway,” he reflected, “but thank goodness I had a woman by my side, my companion, my partner to get me through it.”
Their love story has stood the test of time. Married for over four decades, Donny and Debbie remain a picture of enduring devotion. Their romance began with an unforgettable first kiss in 1976, which Donny meticulously planned with a limo ride, dinner at Sundance, and a heartfelt scavenger hunt. That night ended with a kiss—and the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Despite the odds, Donny Osmond chose love over fame and, in doing so, found both lasting happiness and true success.
Video