Donnie and Marie Osmond’s brother Wayne has died aged 73 after suffering a stroke

Donnie and Marie Osmondhis brother Wayne Osmond died at the age of 73.

The brother of the singers Meryl Osmond shared the news of Wayne’s death in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 2. Wayne died a day earlier in Salt Lake City after suffering a “massive stroke,” the social media post said.

“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave an even greater saint than he came,” Meryl’s post continued. “I never knew a man who had more humility. A man with absolute (sic) lack of guile. A man who was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he met.

He added: “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 huge celebration beyond anything we can imagine.”

Merrill, 71, wrote that Wayne had “suffered a lot” in his life.

“He gave it his all. His legacy will be recorded as a man who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but who was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and draw them closer to God,” added Merrill. “I will miss him terribly. I am so thankful to have grown up with one of the greatest sons of our heavenly father. Until you see him again, know that he was loved.

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Wayne was a member of The Osmonds alongside Donnie, 67, Meryl and two of their other brothers, Alan and Jay. (The Osmond family also included mr, Tom, Marie and Jimmy.)

A statement released by the Osmond family on Thursday said Wayne died on Wednesday, January 1, surrounded by his wife, Kathleen Whiteand their five children.

“His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter has impacted the lives of many around the world,” the statement continued. “He would like everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the ultimate dessert.” We love him and will miss him very much.”

Wayne reached the height of his fame in the 1970s while performing alongside his brothers. He moved from his native Utah to Missouri in the 1990s and suffered from several health problems over the years. Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997, which severely affected his hearing. Before his death, he also suffered a stroke in 2012. Wayne’s last appearance with the rest of the Osmond family was in 2018.