Marie Osmond has broken her silence on her brother Wayne’s death at age 73 on New Year’s Day.
The singer said she had a ‘giant hole’ in her heart after his shock passing due to a ‘massive’ stroke.
‘There’s no question that Wayne had a long and successful career as an entertainer, musician, and songwriter. But what stands out to me as his sister were the joy-filled, humorous times I spent laughing with him and our deep intellectual conversations that left me edified,’ said the Dancing With The Stars veteran.
‘He was always my safe place to go when I needed advice,’ she added.
Marie also said that Wayne loved deeply.
‘He showered this love upon his beautiful wife, Kathy, whom he loved with all his heart, and his beautiful children and grandchildren. It’s all he ever talked about!♥️ ‘ she said in the post.
Marie Osmond has broken her silence on her brother Wayne’s death at age 73 on New Year’s Day. The singer said she had a ‘giant hole’ in her heart after his shock passing due to a ‘massive’ stroke
‘There’s no question that Wayne had a long and successful career as an entertainer, musician, and songwriter. But what stands out to me as his sister were the joy-filled, humorous times I spent laughing with him and our deep intellectual conversations that left me edified,’ said the Dancing With The Stars veteran
Osmond also said she ‘admired’ him for his ‘deep love and unwavering devotion to God our Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.’
Marie continued: ‘Throughout his life, Wayne was an honorable member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
‘It was his eternal compass, and he was a great light to others as he testified of God’s great plan for us in this life. If you can, listen to one of his favorite albums that my brothers wrote called “The Plan.”
‘So right now, if I could say anything to him, it would be: “Wayne, I could not cherish the gift God gave me more than to be loved by you in this life! You are a true, loving brother, and I will miss you so very much.
‘I testify eternally of my great love for you with every fiber of my heart and soul! #TillWeMeetAgain
‘I know many of you understand these feelings from losing your precious loved ones. My deepest prayers are with you!’
Her note began with an explanation.
‘I’ve taken a break from social media for the past 9 months and will continue to do so as I have felt a need to unplug and spend time with family,’ said the crooner.
‘I’m so grateful that just a few weeks ago, I was able to take a long drive to spend time with my brother Wayne. I really felt the Spirit compel me to go see him, and I’m so thankful I listened to what I was feeling. I will cherish those hours I spent with him for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that just a few days after my visit, he would have a massive stroke.
The Osmonds seen here; from left, Wayne, Jay, Merrill, Jimmy, Marie, Alan and Donny during a visit to the UK circa 1974 in England
Here he was seen in 2007 on stage in Las Vegas
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BREAKING NEWS
Wayne Osmond was married to Miss Utah and was a 'devoted' father of five before he died at 73
‘I haven’t done any interviews or issued any statements until this post. The truth is, it’s just too hard to put into words, but I will try my best to honor one of the most loving men I have ever known.
Wayne’s caused of death was revealed last week.
His brother Merrill Osmond shared that his brother ‘had a massive stroke.’ Twelve years earlier he had his first stroke.
He said upon hearing the news he immediately drove to the hospital and ‘was able to say [his] goodbyes.’ Also there was Wayne’s wife Kathlyn Louise White, a former Miss Utah.
The crooner had a history of health problems.
In 1997, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was successfully treated, but he lost his hearing. The treatment damaged his cochlea, leaving Wayne nearly deaf. A stroke in 2012 left him unable to play guitar.
Wayne told Coping magazine how his health went downhill while touring with his brothers in 1994: ‘One day when I was working in Branson, I noticed I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore because my head would start throbbing.
‘And my knees would fall out from under me when I was on stage. This all began happening within a week.’
That was when Wayne was diagnosed with ependymoma cancer and endured a 17-hour surgery to remove a tumor, followed by weeks of radiation therapy before he was allowed to return to the stage.
His brother Merrill Osmond shared that his brother ‘had a massive stroke.’ Twelve years earlier he had his first stroke. The brothers in 1972
Wayne worked with his siblings in Las Vegas, where they had a show, and also reunited often for birthdays. Seen in 1973 in London
The Utah native was the second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers singers and the fourth oldest of the nine Osmond children.
Wayne is the first of the Osmond siblings to pass away.
The Osmonds legend’s passing was confirmed by his family in an emotional statement to KTVX.
‘Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,’ the family’s statement obtained by local ABC affiliate KTVX read.
‘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.’
Wayne and his family started singing at a young age and came to fame in the 1960s when performing at Disneyland.
His famous siblings include Marie Osmond and Donny Osmond of the 1970s variety show Donny & Marie
Donny and Marie also both competed on Dancing With The Stars
That led to several appearances on the popular variety show The Andy Williams show. The Mormon family became known for being close knit and wholesome.
The boys also became teen idols.
Wayne worked with his siblings in Las Vegas, where they had a show, and also reunited often for birthdays.
Several of Wayne Osmond’s siblings have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
Jay Osmond said throughout his life he has ‘always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all of my siblings.’
He added: ‘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.
‘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 added, ‘My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in.
‘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.’
Wayne’s daughter Amy Cook also took to Facebook to announce her father’s death, calling him a ‘beloved husband and father.’
She said he had ‘passed away peacefully’ surrounded by ‘his loving wife and five children.’