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 family members on social media Friday morning, 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 three years after his brother Donny revealed Merrill needed a liver transplant due to autoimmune hepatitis.

The Osmonds rose to fame as child performers on The Andy Williams Show before becoming one of America's most successful family acts. Merrill served as the group's lead vocalist alongside brothers Alan, Wayne, Jay, and Donny during their peak popularity.

Trending searches spiked Friday as news spread across social media platforms. Many fans shared memories of Merrill's distinctive tenor voice and the group's clean-cut image that defined 1970s pop culture. The official Osmonds Twitter account posted: "Heaven just got another tenor."

Merrill is survived by his wife Mary, their six children, and numerous grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Osmond family requests privacy during this difficult time while acknowledging the overwhelming support from fans worldwide.

This marks the second major loss for the musical family in recent years. Marie Osmond's son Michael died by suicide in 2010, while oldest brother Virl (who was not part of the performing group) passed away in 2021. The surviving Osmonds plan to release an official statement later today.