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| Alan Osmond (1949-2026) |
Alan Ralph Osmond, the founding leader and eldest performing member of the iconic sibling group The Osmonds, died on April 20, 2026, at the age of 76. His wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons were by his bedside. The family’s statement did not disclose a cause of death.
Born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, Alan began performing professionally at age 12 alongside his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay as a barbershop quartet.
The group gained early national exposure on The Andy Williams Show, which launched them into stardom. They later expanded to include younger brothers Donny and Jimmy, with sister Marie joining for duets and solo work that extended the family’s legacy for decades.
Alan served as the group’s driving force — not only as a lead vocalist and performer but also as a key songwriter, arranger, and behind-the-scenes leader who managed performances and finances. He co-wrote several of The Osmonds’ biggest hits, including the 1971 No. 1 smash “One Bad Apple” and the hard-rocking fan favorite “Crazy Horses” (1972), which earned critical acclaim for its heavier sound and remains a standout in their catalog.
The Osmonds became one of the most successful family acts of the 1970s, blending pop, rock, country, and R&B with polished harmonies and high-energy stage shows. Alan’s vision helped transform the brothers from child performers into a global sensation.
In 1987, Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition he lived with publicly and courageously for nearly 39 years. He became an advocate for those affected by the disease and, alongside his son David (also diagnosed with MS), embodied resilience and positivity. Despite health challenges that eventually limited his performing, Alan remained active in family music projects and released his autobiography, One Way Ticket, in September 2024.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The Osmond family has requested privacy during this time while celebrating Alan’s life, faith, and enduring contributions to music and family entertainment.