Wayne Osmond, The Osmonds singer and brother of Donny and Marie, dies aged 73

Wayne Osmond, member of Osmond’s band, is dead.

The singer, who helped pioneer the family group, died Wednesday at age 73 of a stroke, according to social media posts from his family members and representatives.

Wayne Osmond’s brother, Donny Osmond, remembered his brother and bandmate in a tribute d. Instagram on Thursday.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed,” wrote Donny Osmond.

“Wayne brought so much light, laughter and love to all who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by all,” he continued.

“I’m sure I speak for each and every one of us siblings when I say that we were lucky enough to have Wayne as a brother. Although we are separated in this mortal life, I know that in our Savior’s grace and resurrection, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity I love you Wayne,” Donny Osmond’s tribute concluded.

The Osmonds began singing barbershop music in Ogden, Utah, and included brothers Alan Osmond, Merrill Osmond and Jay Osmond. Brothers Donny Osmond and Jimmy Osmond later joined the group.

Some of their hit songs include “Crazy Horses,” “One Bad Apple” and “Down by the Lazy River.

The only sister of the brothers, Marie Osmondalso became a singer and launched a solo career in the 1970s.

Merrill Osmond also took to social media to mourn her brother on Thursday, writing: “When I found out my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to get down on my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways.”

Merrill Osmond also praised her brother’s “humility” and said he was “quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love.”

“Throughout my life I have always felt the most connected to Wayne out of all my siblings,” Jay Osmond wrote on social media. “He was my roommate and confidant for decades. When I visited him last week at his home, he talked about how upset he was that he couldn’t get on his plane anymore and how much flight brought him peace.”

“What brings me joy is knowing that my brother ‘Wings’ has earned his wings and I can only imagine the heights he is soaring right now The reunion he must have had with mom and dad is I’m sure was spectacular!” Jay Osmond added.”

In the late 1970s, the band stopped producing hit singles, but revived their group in the 1980s to perform country music. The group reunited in 2007 for their 50th anniversary with a reunion show in Las Vegas, performing some of their hit songs.

Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond also continued to collaborate on several projects over the years, hosting a network variety show “Donny and Marie” and later a residency in Las Vegas.

In 1974, Wayne Osmond married Kathlyn White. They had five children.

In an interview with The mastering magazine in 2004, Wayne Osmond opened up about being diagnosed with ependymoma in 1994. National Cancer Institute explains that ependymoma is a type of tumor of the central nervous system.

“It was located up behind my cerebellum,” he said. “Because it was pretty big—it was an inch around and two inches long.”

After undergoing surgery and radiation, he quickly recovered and went back to performing with his brothers.

The singer said the experience changed his perspective on life and “enlightened” him.

“The biggest part of all of this is that I’ve become even closer with my girlfriend, Kathy,” he said. “She’s an absolute angel. I’m a very, very blessed man. That’s what I am.”

“It really opened my eyes,” he added. “It made me realize that life really is important.”