Utah musician Wayne Osmond dies at 73

OGDEN – Utah native and retired musician Wayne Osmond died Wednesday night at the age of 73.

“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the family said in a statement Thursday.

“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has touched 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 We love him and will miss him dearly.”

Growing up throughout the 1960s and 1970s with his three brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay and Donny, Wayne Osmond was one-fifth of the Osmonds and one-fourth of the Osmond Brothers Quartet.

Wayne Osmond was best known for his backup vocals and for being a talented and well-rounded musician who was adept at playing everything from a guitar to a bagpipe.

Born in Ogden in 1951, Wayne Osmond and his family were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1974, Wayne Osmond married Kathlyn Louise White, a Bountiful native and former Miss Davis County Fair and Miss Utah in 1974.

During 50 years of marriage, the couple raised five children together and eventually became grandparents.

Wayne Osmond was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997, which was successfully treated. Eventually, Wayne Osmond retired from his musical pursuits due to a hearing problem.

This story will be updated.