The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the famous singing group The Osmonds. He passed away at the age of 76 on April 20, 2026. His wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons were by his side at their home in Orem, Utah.
Alan was the backbone of the family band that sold over 77 million records worldwide. He was also a key songwriter who helped create some of the group’s biggest hits. For nearly 40 years, he lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) but continued to inspire others with his positive attitude.
A Career That Started on The Andy Williams Show
Alan first stepped onto a stage when he was just 12 years old. He formed a barbershop quartet with his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay. The group started performing to earn money for hearing aids for their older brothers, Virl and Tom, who were deaf.
The big break came when they started appearing on The Andy Williams Show. That exposure turned them into national stars. Younger brothers Donny and Jimmy later joined the group, and The Osmonds became a global pop sensation in the 1970s.
The family became known as the “One Take Osmonds.” Because of child labor laws that limited how many hours they could work, they practiced at home so much that they could nail every performance perfectly on the first try.
“We could only work so many hours a day, so we’d take the work home and make sure we nailed it on the first take.” – Alan Osmond
Songwriting Success and Musical Legacy
Alan played a huge role in shaping The Osmonds’ sound. He worked as a songwriter and composer for the group. He helped write some of their most famous songs, including One Bad Apple and Crazy Horses.
Crazy Horses was a major hit worldwide. It reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and climbed to number two in the UK. The song also performed well in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Canada.
Alan’s younger brother, Donny Osmond, later shared his thoughts on Alan’s role in the family’s success.
“While The Osmond Brothers’ success may now be part of musical history, future historians will certainly recognize that Alan Osmond was definitely the cornerstone of our achievements. Thank you, Alan, for being the leader of the band.” – Donny Osmond
Life With Multiple Sclerosis
In 1987, Alan noticed something was wrong while performing on stage. He could not raise his right hand. Doctors diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system.
Despite the diagnosis, Alan refused to give up. He lived by a simple but powerful motto.
“I may have MS, but MS does not have me!” – Alan Osmond
He later spoke openly about that scary moment on stage.
“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.” – Alan Osmond
Alan eventually had to retire from live performing because of his illness. But he stayed active by speaking at MS events. He wanted to help other people who were dealing with the same struggles.
A family spokesperson shared a statement about his later years.
“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.” – Osmond Family Statement
Family and Personal Life
Alan married Suzanne Pinegar on July 16, 1974. She was a cheerleader, and they met at a Brigham Young University basketball game. They had their first date at Y Mountain in Utah.
The couple raised eight sons together: Michael, Nathan, Douglas, David, Scott, Jonathon, Alexander, and Tyler. Alan is also survived by 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His brother Merrill Osmond shared a touching memory on Facebook just after Alan’s death. Merrill said he had a heart-to-heart talk with Alan two days before he passed away.
“My dear friends, Two days before my brother, Alan, passed, I was blessed to sit quietly with him. We talked as brothers do, heart to heart. He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled.” – Merrill Osmond
Merrill also shared that Alan made him a promise in that final conversation. Alan told him to do something with the music they created together and to let people know what they were trying to say with their art.
Also Read:
Beyond the Stage
Alan did more than just sing and write songs. In 1980, he and Merrill founded the Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah. That event has grown into one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country.
He also wrote two books. His autobiography One Way Ticket came out in 2024. He also wrote Twice Upon a Time with his wife Suzanne, which is a collection of creative fairy tales.
In 2000, he received the Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2021, Alan and Suzanne were honored as Pillars of Utah Valley.
Alan’s death comes just over a year after his brother Wayne Osmond passed away. Wayne died in January 2025 at the age of 73 after suffering a stroke.
Also Read: ‘Wednesday’ Season 3 First Look Reveals Jenna Ortega in Paris, Filming Update and Story Hints
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more stories on the legends who shaped the music industry.
