Donny Osmond Breaks Silence After Brother Wayne Osmond’s Death: ‘He Was the Ultimate Optimist’

Donny Osmond and his family members are mourning the loss of Wayne Osmond after he died Wednesday, January 1.

Donny, 67, shared a statement on his Instagram page on Thursday, January 2, to pay tribute to his brother.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed,” the singer wrote alongside a black and white photo of Wayne.

“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone,” Donny continued. “I’m sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother.”

The statement concluded with Donny writing, “Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity. I love you, Wayne. Your brother forever, Donny.”

Thousands left comments on the post sharing their condolences for the Osmond family.

“So sorry Donny and family. Sending my love and deepest condolences to you all. Rest In Peace Dear Wayne,” Maureen McCormick said in a comment left underneath the post.

“Uncle Wayne was a one-of-a-kind, brilliantly amazing person that I’ve admired and loved forever. Unique in every way with a funny, witty line for everything,” David Osmond wrote. “In fact, I can hear him saying right now, “You know how you catch a unique person? Unique up on ‘em! Ha!!” All delivered with his signature smile and laugh. He will be greatly missed.”

Donny’s son Chris Osmond wrote, “Gonna miss uncle Wayne. He was such light and laughter to everyone he came in contact with!”

Wayne’s death was first announced in a Facebook post by Merrill Osmond on Thursday. He was 73.

“When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to 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, 71, wrote on the social media platform. “I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC to see him and I was able to say my goodbyes.”

“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in,” he continued. “I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”

Wayne is survived by his siblings, Donny, Marie Osmond, Virl Osmond, Tom Osmond, Alan Osmond, Merrill, Jay Osmond and Jimmy Osmond, his wife of 50 years, Kathlyn White Osmond, and five children.

“His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God,” Merrill said. “I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of heavenly father‘s greatest sons. Until I see him again, know that he was loved, Brother Merrill.”