Alan Osmond of The Osmonds Dies at 76 After Long Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
Alan Osmond, the eldest sibling of the iconic American pop group The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 76. His death occurred on April 20, 2026, marking the end of a four-decade journey since he was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987. At his bedside during his final moments were his wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons, providing comfort and support as he departed.
Rise to Fame and Musical Legacy
Alan Osmond rose to prominence on The Andy Williams Show, where he initially performed as part of a barbershop quartet alongside his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay. The group's dynamic expanded when younger siblings Jimmy and Donny joined, catapulting The Osmonds to global stardom in the 1970s. They became household names with chart-topping hits such as "One Bad Apple" and "Love Me for a Reason", selling over 77 million records worldwide and earning the nickname "the one take Osmonds" for their precision in the studio.
As the creative leader of the band, Alan played multiple roles:
- He contributed as a guitarist and pianist, adding depth to their musical arrangements.
- He provided backup vocals, harmonizing with his brothers to create their signature sound.
- Alongside Merrill, he co-wrote and co-produced much of the group's music, showcasing his talent as a songwriter.
Diagnosis and Advocacy for Multiple Sclerosis
In 1987, Alan Osmond received a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This condition often leads to severe mobility issues, and Alan first noticed symptoms while on stage, recalling that he "couldn't raise [his] right hand". Despite this challenge, he adopted a resilient mantra: "I may have MS, but MS does not have me!"
His positive outlook became a source of inspiration for many. A family representative stated in a release to The Daily Express: "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." In his later years, Alan was a frequent advocate at MS events, pushing for continued research and support for those affected by the disease.
Later Life and Legacy
Although Alan largely stepped back from performing in 2007, he made a memorable return in 2018 for a one-off concert with his brothers in Honolulu. He remained active in writing, and two years ago, he published a memoir titled "One Way Ticket", sharing his life story. In conversations with his son, he expressed that he wrote the book because he was "getting old" and wanted his grandchildren to "remember what he did".
Alan Osmond's legacy extends beyond his musical achievements to his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. His journey with multiple sclerosis highlighted his strength and dedication to helping others, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment world and the MS community.
