Wayne Osmond dies at age 73, family says: 'Will miss him dearly'

SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX) – Wayne Osmond, a member of the musical group "The Osmonds," died on Wednesday night, according to a family spokesperson. He was 73 years old.

"His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly," the family's statement reads.

Wayne Osmond sang with his brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, who together formed a successful group known as "The Osmonds." Wayne Osmond was born in 1951 and raised in Ogden, Utah. He later had five children with his wife Kathlyn Louise White, according to a biography on IMDb.

Several of Wayne Osmond's siblings have taken to social media to pay tribute to their brother. Jay Osmond, in a Facebook post, said he has "always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings."

"My heart is deeply saddened for the loss of my brother Wayne. It is said that where there is great love there is great grief as we part during our earthly journey," Jay Osmond's wrote. "What gives me joy is to know that my brother 'Wings' has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring right now."

Merrill Osmond disclosed additional information about his brother's death, saying it was caused by a "massive stroke." He said upon hearing the news he immediately drove to the hospital and "was able to say [his] goodbyes."

"My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in," Merrill Osmond's post reads. "His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who are waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine."

The Osmonds began as a barbershop quartet playing around Utah, and eventually expanded to include their younger brothers. They soon became "teen-music idols" who later starred in the hit "Osmond Family Show" on TV, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and IMDb.

The group rose to fame after being discovered by Andy Williams' father while performing at Disneyland. The Osmonds appeared often on "The Andy Williams Show" during the 1960s and began touring throughout Europe. The group eventually separated as they pursued solo careers in music.

The brothers previously said they began performing to raise money for their siblings Virl and Tom's hearing aids, who were born deaf, and for their missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the Walk of Fame.

MJ Jewkes contributed to this reporting.