Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the Osmonds, died at 76 after decades living with multiple sclerosis, with his wife Suzanne and eight sons by his side in Utah. He helped write and perform some of the group’s biggest hits and played a key role in the Donny and Marie era, as the Osmonds rose to fame in the 1960s–70s before transitioning to country. His passing followed a period in intensive care and hospice care at home. Tributes from Donny and Merrill highlighted his quiet leadership and guiding influence, and funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
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Alan Osmond was born in Ogden, Utah, on June 22, 1949, and emerged as the oldest member of the Osmonds, a family act that started as a barbershop quartet in the 1950s.
The group gained national attention after a Disneyland visit and appearances on Disney After Dark and The Andy Williams Show, culminating in a peak period in the early 1970s with multiple gold records and the rise of younger brother Donny Osmond.
Alan helped write several Osmonds hits, including One Bad Apple, Crazy Horses, and Are You Up There?, and later was a principal producer on The Donny and Marie Show on ABC.
In the mid-to-late 1970s the brothers returned as a country act, with Alan explaining his shift toward country music as aligning with the wholesome image they cultivated.
Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987, which led to his retirement from performing with the family; his brother Wayne died in 2025 after a stroke.
Donny Osmond paid tribute calling Alan his protector and guide, while Merrill Osmond described his brother’s quiet encouragement and strength during illness.
Alan is survived by his wife Suzanne, eight sons (Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, Tyler), 30 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his siblings; service plans are forthcoming.