Music icon Alan Osmond dies at 76 - tributes have poured in

The lead singer of iconic 1970s band The Osmonds has died at the age of 76, his family has confirmed. Alan Osmond, described as an “inspiration to many”, passed away following a lengthy health battle.

The star was said to be surrounded by his wife and children when he died on Monday (April 20) at 8.30pm. In a statement, the family said: "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."

Alan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1987 after being unable to raise his hand while on stage. The lifelong condition affects the brain and nerves. With an estimated 130,000 people currently living with MS in the UK.

Two years ago, Alan published his memoir, One Way Ticket. In it he said: “I was on stage and couldn't raise my right hand. I trusted my Heavenly Father. You have to have opposition in life - this was my test.”

The Osmonds started out in 1958, with Alan and three of his younger brothers - Wayne, Merrill, and Jay - singing as a barbershop quartet. Being the eldest, Alan was the band's creative leader, playing piano and guitar, co-writing many of their songs during much of the Osmonds' career.

He stopped performing with the group in 2007 but did return for a ‘final performance’ in 2018, at Neal Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.

His final social media post on February 19 showed a picture of Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, captioning it: "We love you, young and old, men and women. So does the Lord! God is relentless in His loving pursuit of each of you.

“Keep the commandments and be true to the covenants so many of you have made to guide you along the covenant path. Protect yourself with weekly renewing of your covenants by partaking of the sacrament and consistent efforts to live according to those sacred covenants. Those who have been endowed should include regular attendance at the temple. In sum, stay on the covenant path.”

Tributes from devastated fans have flooded in. One wrote: “So sad - he had MS for years. He was the eldest performing Osmond brother. RIP Alan - I met him when I was 13 at the Tropicana Hotel and was so kind to me. My prayers & thoughts to the family.”

Another posted on Facebook to say: “May he Rest In Peace, and his family find peace and comfort at this time. This is so sad. I grew up watching the Osmond family. Sending my deepest and sincere condolences.”

A third wrote: “So sad... loved all these men ... blessing of comfort for you all and prayers for peace... such a wonderful family and such a good example to all…”

Alan is survived by his wife, Suzanne and their eight sons, along with their 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.