Alan Osmond, Eldest Member of The Osmonds, Dies at 76

Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the famous Osmond family, has died at the age of 76. His passing occurred on April 20, 2026, marking the end of a life lived in the public eye, notably for his musical contributions and his courageous battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition he had lived with for forty years.

He was surrounded by his wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons at the time of his death. Alan Osmond first gained prominence as part of The Osmonds' early performances on The Andy Williams Show, initially singing with his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay in a barbershop quartet style.

The group's lineup later expanded with the inclusion of younger siblings Jimmy and Donny, propelling them to international fame in the 1970s. They achieved global stardom with popular hits such as "One Bad Apple" and "Love Me for a Reason."

As the eldest member, Alan served as a creative driving force within the band, contributing as a guitarist, pianist, and backing vocalist. He and his brother Merrill were instrumental as the group's principal songwriters and producers, contributing significantly to their extensive catalogue of music. The Osmonds became known for their efficiency in the studio, earning the moniker "one take Osmonds."

Collectively, The Osmonds sold more than 77 million records globally. Alan Osmond's personal journey took a significant turn in 1987 when he received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, often leading to mobility issues. Osmond recalled first noticing symptoms while performing on stage, stating he was unable to lift his right hand.

Despite his diagnosis, Osmond adopted an inspiring personal motto: "I may have MS, but MS does not have me!" This spirit of resilience was a hallmark of his public life.

A representative for the family shared a statement with The Daily Express, highlighting his positive outlook and dedication to supporting others. "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."

Although his public appearances became less frequent in later years, Osmond remained an active advocate, frequently attending multiple sclerosis events and championing the cause for continued research into the disease.

He largely retired from performing in 2007, but made a special return for a one-off concert with his brothers in Honolulu in 2018. Even after stepping back from performing, Osmond continued his passion for writing. Two years prior to his passing, he published his life story in a memoir titled "One Way Ticket."

Reflecting on his decision to write his autobiography, Osmond told his son that he felt compelled to do so as he was "getting old" and wanted his grandchildren to have a lasting record of his life and experiences.