The Osmonds legend Alan Osmond dies aged 76: Eldest brother from the iconic 70s pop group passes away after a lengthy battle with MS

Osmonds legend Alan Osmond has passed away at the age of 76.

The founding brother and guitarist of the iconic band passed away on Monday after a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) while surrounded by his nearest and dearest, the family announced in a statement.

The statement read: ‘His positive outlook inspired many people and he donated much of his time speaking at MS events, encouraging individuals like himself on how to cope mentally and physically with the progression and treatment of the disease.’

Alan, who has eight children with wife Suzanne Pinegar, rose to fame in the 60s while performing with his siblings on The Andy Williams Show.

His singing career began at the age of 12 in a barbershop quartet with his brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay. Later, their younger brother Donny joined them.

They rose to global fame as 1970s pop sensations, with Alan acting as a key songwriter and composer for the band and helping write some of The Osmonds’ hits, including One Bad Apple and Crazy Horses.

In November 2021, Alan and his wife Suzanne were honored with the Pillars of Utah Valley award, while in 2000 he received the Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In his acceptance speech, he said his time on the bench and taking karate lessons from Chuck Norris reinforced the “can-do” attitude he learned from his father.

He had previously stated that he lives by the motto ‘I may have MS, but there is NO mole in MS’. He founded and directed the nonprofit research and development organization OneHeart Foundation and also worked as a motivational speaker.

Donny, arguably the best-known Osmond, has previously said of his brother: ‘Whilst the success of the Osmond Brothers is now part of musical history, future historians will surely recognize that Alan Osmond was certainly the linchpin of our achievements. Thank you Alan for being the leader of the group.’

As well as his music, Alan has also written two books, including the autobiography Alan Osmond, an anthology of his creative approaches to fairy tales: One Way Ticket with Debbie Ihler Rasmussen and Twice Once with his wife Suzanne.

She had previously said about life under the spotlight: “My family is my priority and my love is unconditional. Showbiz was our livelihood but my family is my life. That’s how we escaped showbiz.”

Alan is pictured speaking at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Annual Champions Dinner in Los Angeles in 2010.

Alan’s death follows the death of Wayne, the second eldest member of the Osmond group and the fourth eldest of the nine Osmond children, after suffering a stroke on New Year’s Day last year.

Wayne’s family said in a statement: ‘Beloved husband and father Wayne Osmond passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his loving wife and five children…

‘His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has impacted the lives of many people around the world.

‘He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, families are forever, and banana slices are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him very much.’

Photo of the Osmonds in 1972 (Front; Donny. Center, left to right: Wayne, Jay and Alan. Back; Merrill)