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Forever Remembered

Alan Osmond

Alan Osmond memorial portrait

The Osmonds
Born June 22, 1949 — Passed April 20, 2026

Alan Ralph Osmond was an American singer, songwriter, musician, producer, author, and the eldest performing member of the legendary family music group, The Osmonds. As the group's leader and creative force, Alan helped guide his brothers from a barbershop quartet performing on television into one of the most successful pop acts of the 1970s. He co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits and played a major role in shaping their image and musical direction. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987, he gradually retired from performing but remained active as an author, speaker, and advocate for faith, family, and perseverance. 

Famous For

  • Founding and leading The Osmonds.
  • Co-writing hit songs including "One Bad Apple" and "Crazy Horses."
  • Serving as the creative and organizational leader of the Osmond family entertainment empire.
  • His decades-long public battle with multiple sclerosis.
  • Inspiring audiences through faith-based and motivational speaking.

    • Roles / Teams / Organizations

  • Founding Member and Leader – The Osmonds
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Guitarist
  • Producer
  • Author
  • Motivational Speaker
  • Advocate for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
  • Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint

    • Significant Contributions

  • Helped transform The Osmonds into an international music phenomenon.
  • Co-wrote several of the group's most successful songs.
  • Produced and helped manage various Osmond family entertainment projects.
  • Used his public platform to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis after his diagnosis.
  • Demonstrated resilience and optimism while living nearly four decades with MS.
  • Authored books and shared personal experiences to inspire others facing adversity. 

    • Notable Works

  • "One Bad Apple"
  • "Crazy Horses"
  • "Are You Up There?"
  • Numerous Osmonds albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s
  • One Way Ticket (memoir, 2024)
  • Production work related to The Donny & Marie Show

    • Famous Quotes

    "My family is my priority and my love is unconditional. That's how we survived show business."

    "I have MS, but MS doesn't have me." 

    "Faith is not knowing what the future holds. Faith is knowing who holds the future."

    Cultural Impact

    Alan Osmond helped define one of the most successful family entertainment acts in American history. During the 1970s, The Osmonds rivaled the popularity of other major family groups and became global teen idols. Beyond music, Alan became a symbol of perseverance after continuing to inspire audiences despite living with multiple sclerosis for nearly forty years. His emphasis on faith, family, integrity, and service left a lasting impression on generations of fans. 

    Lesser-Known Stories

  • Alan originally led the Osmond brothers as a barbershop quartet before their pop success.
  • The original goal of the group was to raise money for hearing aids for his older brothers Virl and Tom, who were born with significant hearing loss.
  • He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987 but continued inspiring audiences for decades afterward.
  • He and his wife, Suzanne, were married for more than 50 years and raised eight sons.
  • In 2024, he published his memoir One Way Ticket, reflecting on his life, faith, and career. 

    • Sources / Notes

  • Alan Osmond biography and career record.
  • Family obituary and funeral information.
  • Associated Press reporting on his passing.
  • Coverage from People Magazine.
  • The Guardian obituary and career retrospective.
  • Reporting on his battle with multiple sclerosis and later life. 
    • Tribute created with love by Aftir

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    Memorial Information

    This memorial page was created to preserve and share the life, memories, stories, photographs, and legacy of Alan Osmond. Friends, coworkers, loved ones, and others who knew Alan Osmond may contribute memories and reflections that help celebrate a life that continues to be remembered.