Osmond Brothers founding member Wayne Osmond has died aged 73

Wayne Osmond, brother of Donny and Marie Osmond, has died aged 73.

“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the Osmond family said in a statement released Thursday. Facebook page by Wayne’s daughter, Amy Osmond Cook.

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

“He wants everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert,” the family added. “We love him and will miss him dearly.”

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Wayne Osmond died of a massive stroke on Wednesday. He was 73. (Getty Images)

On Thursday, Merrill Osmond confirmed that his brother Wayne died of a massive stroke on New Year’s Day.

“When I learned that my dear brother Wayne suffered a massive stroke, my immediate reaction was to fall on my knees and pray that he would receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor on many ways,” he wrote on Facebook. “I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC to see him and I was able to say goodbye.

“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave an even greater saint than he entered,” Merrill added. “I have never known a man who had more humility. A man without guile. Someone who was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”

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“His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine. My brother Wayne endured a lot. He gave everything. His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions and bring them closer to God,” he continued.

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Wayne Osmond was one of the founding members of the Osmond Brothers. (Getty Images)

“I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of Heavenly Father’s greatest sons.”

Donny took to Instagram to pay homage to his older brother.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke,” Donny wrote. “I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he died. Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to all who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”

“I’m sure I speak for each and every one of us siblings when I say we were lucky to have Wayne as a brother,” he continued. “Although we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne forever.

“I love you Wayne.”

The Osmonds in 1975. From left: Wayne Osmond, Merrill Osmond, Jay Osmond, Jimmy Osmond, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond and Alan Osmond. (Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Wayne’s daughter Amy wrote that she is having a hard time accepting her father’s death, but that she is grateful for the time with him.

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“I find it hard to express the depth of my sadness that I will not have my ‘twin’ in my life for a while,” she wrote on Facebook. “But I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. I am grateful for the incredible memories. I am grateful for his strength, loyalty to our family, incredible talent and energy, and most of all everything, his love. I look forward to the day when I can see him again on the other side, I love you, dad.”

The Osmond family has created one Wayne Osmond Celebration of Life Page on Facebook for fans to share memories, photos or a funny joke in memory of Wayne.

Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.