Wayne Osmond has died after having a “massive stroke.” He was 73.
The Osmond Brothers singer passed away while surrounded by his family in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night, his brother Merrill Osmond announced on Facebook.
“When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways,” the musician wrote.
“I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC to see him and I was able to say my goodbyes,” Merrill added. “My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in.
“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”
The 71-year-old also honored his late brother’s “genius” ability to “write music.”
A spokesperson for Wayne’s family also confirmed his death, telling Deseret News that he died “peacefully” while surrounded by his wife, Kathlyn White Osmond, and their five children.
“His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world,” the rep said.
“He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.”
Wayne rose to fame in the 1950s alongside his brothers Merrill, Jay Osmond, 69, and Alan Osmond, 75, when they started singing a barbershop-quartet style act.
They were discovered by Andy Williams’ father, Jay Emerson Williams, when performing at Disneyland in the 1960s.
They later made several appearances on “The Andy Williams Show” in the 1960s, according to Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The group spent their early career touring Europe before embarking on solo endeavors in the music industry.
At the height of Wayne’s fame, he tied the knot with Kathlyn, 73, in 1974.
The duo welcomed children Amy Osmond, 48, Steven Osmond, 46, Gregory Osmond, 43, Sarah Osmond, 42, and Michele Osmond, 38, throughout their union.
The “One Bad Apple” crooner was previously diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1994 but made a full recovery six months later, per People.
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