Wayne Osmond, a founding member of family band The Osmonds, died aged 73 on January 1, 2025, his family announced.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed,” Donny, 67, wrote on Instagram. “Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”

Wayne Osmond’s other brother, Merrill Osmond, wrote his late brother was “a genius in his ability to write music” who was “able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God.”

He continued: “I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”