Donny and Marie Osmond are paying tribute to their brother Alan Osmond following his death at the age of 76.
“This is one of the earliest pictures I have of my brother Alan and me. Even back then, you can see that he had his arm around me, watching over me,” Donny, 68, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, April 21, with a special throwback photo. “That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine.”
Marie, 66, also shared via Instagram that day, “As his only sister, I know I had a different relationship with him than he had with his brothers, and I must say I loved that! He was always very protective of me (not so sure I love that one) but he was always there if I needed him!”
She teamed her words with a carousel of images that captured Alan both with his family and performing on stage.
A spokesperson for the Osmond family confirmed to ABC4 in Salt Lake City, Utah, that Alan had died on Monday, April 20. His wife and children were at his bedside when he passed.
His official cause of death has yet to be revealed. According to ABC4, Alan retired from show business after his diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis, but continued to represent his family in many philanthropic endeavors.
“Alan was our leader in every sense of the word. His tireless work helped build everything we became,” Donny shared in his latest social media post. “I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he showed — not just to me, but to every member of our family.”
Throughout his life, Alan joined his brothers and performed on various stages with a variety of musical instruments. He also worked on several TV shows, including Donny and Marie and The Osmond Family Show, as a producer.
Marie’s post commented on Alan’s work ethic, which saw him inspiring his siblings from an early age. “Alan became our leader at age 12. How daunting that must have felt to have that immense responsibility, to lead at such a young age,” she wrote. “But he never complained. He told me many times, “It felt like a mission… a long one, but I loved doing it”. And he did it for us and for all of you!”
Donny also shared via his post, “I owe him more than I can ever fully express. I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me. Till we meet again, Brother Donny.”
“I owe him more than I can ever fully express,” Donny shared. “I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me. Till we meet again, Brother Donny.”
Donny’s post inspired other family members to comment on Alan’s death and share a glimpse into the strong Osmond family bond.
“My father loved his family more than anything in this world,” David Osmond wrote in the comments section. “Thank you Uncle D for always being such an amazing brother to him 💔🙏🏻.”
Chris Osmond added, “Gonna miss uncle Alan. No matter the situation, he always had a strong and shining smile on his face. Such an example of resilience ❤️.”
Away from any stage, Alan helped create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised more than $2 billion for children’s hospitals. He also founded the One Heart Foundation to help support orphans.
“Upon meeting the entertainer, an ever-ready smile was ever prevalent. One might feel as though they had known him all their life,” a spokesperson for the Osmond family shared. “Others’ importance seemed to outshine his own, and he especially treasured the countless fans who supported the group.”
