Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the iconic performing Osmonds family, passed away in April 2026 at the age of 76, following a decades-long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. In a poignant tribute, his sister Marie Osmond has revealed the heartbreaking final words he shared with her shortly before his death.
A Sister's Tribute to Her Brother
Marie Osmond, a Grammy-nominated country singer, took to Instagram to post a nostalgic photo of Alan from the 1970s, accompanying it with a heartfelt caption. She expressed the difficulty of writing about her sibling's passing, noting that their unique bond as brother and sister made the task especially challenging. "Writing about your sibling's passing is not something easily done," she wrote. "The years and years of memories I have of my big brother Alan could never be written in a few words—it would take volumes, but I shall try."
She highlighted their special relationship, describing Alan as always protective and supportive. "As his only sister, I know I had a different relationship with him than he had with his brothers, and I must say I loved that! He was always very protective of me, but he was always there if I needed him!"
A Final Performance and Emotional Moment
Marie recounted a touching moment when she organized a final performance for The Osmonds in Hawaii, a time when Alan's MS had confined him to a wheelchair. "When I decided to honour the original four Osmond Brothers and fly them to Hawaii to perform together one last time, Alan tearfully said, 'So you're producing me now.' He hugged me and said, 'Thank you, I get to be on stage one last time with my brothers'. The determination he manifested to stand up out of his wheelchair and be next to his brothers was simply unbelievable!"
She also reflected on Alan's early responsibilities, noting that he took on a leadership role in the family performing group from the age of 12, handling immense pressure with grace.
Heartbreaking Final Words Revealed
In her tribute, Marie shared the emotional last conversation she had with Alan. "The last thing he said to me was, 'I can’t wait to see brother Wayne, so we can be missionary companions together and start preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who never had the opportunity to hear his message of peace and hope in this life.' That’s my brother Alan!! I love you so very much and will miss you dearly."
She added that their mother would be overjoyed to see him again in heaven, emphasizing the family's devout Mormon faith, which provided comfort during this difficult time.
Battling Multiple Sclerosis with Faith
Alan Osmond had been living with Multiple Sclerosis since his diagnosis in 1987. He first noticed symptoms while on stage, experiencing difficulty raising his hand. Despite the challenges, he maintained a positive outlook, attributing his strength to his faith in God.
In a statement, the Osmond family praised his resilience: "His positive outlook was an inspiration to many, and he donated much of his time speaking at MS events, encouraging individuals like himself on how to mentally and physically deal with the advancement and treatment of the disease."
Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition affecting the brain and nerves, with symptoms including vision problems, mobility issues, and balance difficulties. It is estimated that around 130,000 people in the UK live with MS, highlighting the importance of awareness and support.
Alan Osmond's legacy as a performer and advocate for MS awareness continues to inspire fans and those affected by the condition worldwide.
