Singer Marie Osmond has said the death of her older brother, Wayne, is “another giant hole in my heart”.
Wayne Osmond died aged 73 last week. His family said he passed away peacefully “surrounded by his loving wife and five children”.
The musician behind songs such as “Crazy Horses” and “Love Me For a reason” would be remembered for “his legacy of faith, music, love and laughter [that] have influenced the lives of many people around the world,” his daughter Amy Cook said in a statement.
In an emotional message shared to Instagram, Marie wrote on Wednesday (8 January) that she was grateful she had been able to see her brother shortly before he died.
“I’m so grateful that just a few weeks ago, I was able to take a long drive to spend time with my brother Wayne,” she wrote.
“I really felt the Spirit compel me to go see him, and I’m so thankful I listened to what I was feeling.”
She continued: “I cherish those hours I spent with him for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that just a few days after my visit, he would have a massive stroke.”
Marie explained that she had struggled to share any tribute to her brother in public until now because “it’s just too hard to put into words”.
However, she said she would “try my best to honour one of the most loving men I have ever known.
“Wayne’s death has left another giant hole in my heart.”
She continued: “There’s no question that Wayne had a long and successful career as an entertainer, musician, and songwriter. But what stands out to me as his sister were the joy-filled, humorous times I spent laughing with him and our deep intellectual conversations that left me edified. He was always my safe place to go when I needed advice.
“Wayne loved deeply, and he showered this love upon his beautiful wife, Kathy, whom he loved with all his heart, and his beautiful children and grandchildren. It's all he ever talked about!”
Marie urged her followers to listen to one of Wayne’s favourite albums he released, The Plan.
She concluded by calling him a “true, loving brother” whom she would “miss so very much” as she also sent her “deepest prayers” to those caught up in the devastating California fires.
Formed by Wayne and his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay in 1958, The Osmonds became a sensation after they were joined by younger siblings Donny and Jimmy, selling more than 77 million records worldwide and achieving five UK top 10 singles.
Wayne suffered a number of health issues in later years. He was successfully treated for a brain tumour in 1997 but left with a damaged cochlea, which left him almost deaf, while a stroke in 2012 meant he was unable to play guitar.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy, and their five children.
