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Introduction
Salt Lake City, Utah – January 1, 2025 – Melvin Wayne Osmond, the beloved baritone singer, guitarist, and founding member of the legendary family music group The Osmonds, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 73 due to a massive stroke.
Born on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Wayne began performing at just seven years old with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay as a barbershop quartet. Their talent soon caught national attention, leading to regular appearances on The Andy Williams Show in the early 1960s.
In the 1970s, The Osmonds rose to international fame with hits like One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, and the rock anthem Crazy Horses, a track on which Wayne played a pivotal role both vocally and instrumentally. Known for his perfect pitch and versatility, Wayne contributed guitar, banjo, and vocal arrangements that helped define the group’s distinctive sound.
Wayne faced serious health challenges throughout his life. In 1997, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which resulted in near-total hearing loss and required a cochlear implant. Despite his resilience, a stroke in 2012 ended his ability to play guitar. His final stroke in 2025 claimed his life.
He is survived by his wife of nearly five decades, Kathlyn, their five children, twenty grandchildren, and his eight siblings: Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy.
Family members shared emotional tributes, remembering Wayne for his humility, optimism, and unwavering love. His brother Merrill called him “a man without guile” whose life was defined by faith, music, and laughter. Donny described him as “the ultimate optimist” who brought joy to everyone he met, while Marie said her heart now holds “a giant hole” after losing one of the most loving men she had ever known.
Wayne Osmond’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of The Osmonds, but his musical legacy, quiet strength, and devotion to family will continue to inspire generations to come.