Osmond Brother Merrill Dies At 72, Family Confirms
Osmond Brother Merrill Dies At 72, Family Confirms...
Merrill Osmond, a founding member of the iconic 1970s family band The Osmonds, has died at age 72. His passing was confirmed by the Osmond family on Friday, April 24, 2026, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians.
The Utah-born singer, known for hits like "One Bad Apple" and "Crazy Horses," had been battling health issues in recent years. His death comes just four years after the passing of his younger brother Donny in 2022, leaving only three surviving members of the original performing Osmond brothers.
The topic is trending today as fans mourn the loss of another music legend from the beloved family act. Social media platforms saw a surge in nostalgic posts featuring classic Osmonds performances, with many sharing personal stories about how the band's music impacted their lives.
Merrill served as the lead vocalist for The Osmonds during their peak popularity in the early 1970s. Alongside brothers Alan, Wayne, Jay, and Donny, the group sold over 100 million records worldwide and became cultural icons through their clean-cut image and family-friendly entertainment.
The Osmond family released a statement thanking fans for their support during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending, with plans for a public memorial service in the group's hometown of Ogden, Utah. Merrill is survived by his wife, Mary, their six children, and numerous grandchildren.
This marks the second major loss for the entertainment family in recent years, following Marie Osmond's brief retirement from performing in 2024. Industry analysts note the passing represents the end of an era for classic American family entertainment groups.
Fans have begun organizing tribute events across the country, with several radio stations planning memorial broadcasts of Osmonds music this weekend. The group's influence continues to be felt in modern acts like the Jonas Brothers and other family-based musical acts.
