Patriarch of Osmond Family Dies at 90

By Steve Gorman,

Reuters

Posted: 2007-11-07 11:37:04

Filed Under: Star Obituaries, Music News, TV News

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 6) - George Osmond, father of Donny and Marie Osmond and patriarch to the family's singing group, The Osmond Brothers, died Tuesday. He was 90.

Family spokesman Kevin Sasaki said Osmond died at his home in Provo, Utah. Because he had not been ill, he likely died from natural causes incident to his age, Sasaki said.

Photo Gallery: Remembering George Osmond

Getty Images

George Osmond, right, seen here with son Donny in 2005, died on Nov. 6 from undisclosed causes according to a a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesperson.

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Marie Osmond, a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" who fainted following a live performance two weeks ago, was due to appear on Tuesday night's results segment, but instead boarded a plane in Los Angeles with her brother for Utah.

"He was the best man I've ever known," Donny Osmond told the "Entertainment Tonight" Web site.

The death was first reported on the "Entertainment Tonight" Web site and confirmed by The Associated Press through a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which Osmond was a member.

Marie Osmond performed Monday night on "Dancing With the Stars," with Donny in attendance. She's not the only "Dancing" contestant to have lost a parent this season: Jane Seymour missed a show last month after the death of her mother, Mieke Frankenberg.

George Osmond married his wife, Olive, on Dec. 1, 1944. She died in 2004. The couple were the parents of nine children, many of whom became singing stars. Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay Osmond first became famous as The Osmond Brothers, a barbershop quartet singing at Disneyland and on "The Andy Williams Show."

Donny Osmond joined the group at age 6 and later hosted "The Donny and Marie Show" with his sister. The youngest son, Jimmy Osmond, is also a performer.

George Osmond also had 55 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

A World War II veteran, Osmond also served missions for the Mormon church in Hawaii and the United Kingdom. In his professional life, he worked in real estate, insurance sales and was once the postmaster for the city of Ogden. He gave up his work to manage the singing careers of his children.

Together, Osmond and his wife formed the Osmond Foundation, which later became the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals.

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2007-11-06 14:34:32

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1189 comments

wcindylouise61 03:10:02 PM Mar 30 2008

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To All of The Osmonds,I want to say that I'm sorry for your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with all of you on your loss,I know the feeling I lost my father in September 1985,seems like it was yesterday.also my mother passed away in June of 2004,my parents were always their when I needed them,I know their both together and watching over us each and everytime I look at their pitcures,I remember the day its going to be with me.I'm number 1 fan I will always will be,thanks for all of your good music.wcindylouise61@aol.com

julforyou 12:27:54 PM Nov 25 2007

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Some one needs to stop reading the tabloids, Marie is seperated from her husband, which is only her second, and of the 8 children, 5 were adopted. which means only 3 are hers natually. One with her first husband. It is difficult for anyone to live in the spot light for so many years, but a twenty year marriage is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is taking in children by adoption. My God continue to bless Marie and the rest of the family in their time of need.

llashleyd 07:59:06 AM Nov 25 2007

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For Marie and Donny I have watched you for years. I should say grew up with you! You are both sensational. For people to be critical of Marie is not right--they should probably look in the mirror! Everyone has bumps in there life and you pick-up and go on. Marie I have voted for you every week on Dancing with the stars. You are so beautiful and such a wonderful smile and personality. Your dolls that you make and present on QVC are beautiful. You can truly tell that the Osmond family is really close--they stand behind you on Dancing with the stars. More families should be this close. Keep it up girl I am on your side!

hoytisemc 07:55:50 PM Nov 23 2007

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I love you all, May GOD blee and keep you all, your family has given so mush happiness to all of us. And i just have to say,Marie that "person" on Larry King, had NO right to say what he did, you a doing super great, you go girl*** ,you keep it up, you have my vote. one of my verses in Bible says "if GOD be for you, who can stand against, We are for you and so is GOD, because you love HIM. you are all in my prayers, in HIS love ruby knotts

colercon 10:17:47 AM Nov 21 2007

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Marie and Donny and family, My prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this time...it must have been very difficult, for you , Marie, to leave and then come back to Dancing with the Stars. I can't beleive some of these people with no heart! The comments are terrible. You should be ashamed of yourselves!
I have followed the OSMONDS for years since the 1970's when my cousin, and my best friend gave me my first Osmond albums and Donny and Marie Dolls! You keep on pluggin', Marie. You have some great brotherly love there...don't let anyone put you down! You are lookin' great, girl! We moms have to stick together! GO GET 'EM! Win that title of "BEST" but not for everyone else, for YOU!

colercon 10:17:45 AM Nov 21 2007

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abcquilts007 10:14:00 AM Nov 21 2007

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To Donny and Mrie and Jimmie and otehr brotehrs, My ehart goes out to you all in your time of sorrow, may G*D comfort you and ekep you walking in his ways. Keep on dancing for the L*RD> Susan

franceyfrancey32 09:49:27 AM Nov 21 2007

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God be with your family during this very sad time. I have been a fan since the70's. I followed your family for many years. I have always loved the closeness of your family. My heart and prayers go to your whole family. Love Marchelle

franceyfrancey32 09:49:21 AM Nov 21 2007

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wells57257 09:40:00 AM Nov 21 2007

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To the Osmond family. I know its hard to loose your family member such as your father, but we all have a number and we cant live forever on earth. We can stay alive in our hearts and memories. That is one thing no one can ever take away from us ever. You have a big family and lots of memories to share about him ,so get together and do so. Make a memory book with all the familys memories together and keep it going forever so it can be handed down to other genorations to come. I lost my mother-in-law at the age of 92 and she was about the greatest person I have ever know. She had 8 children 24 grand children, 17 great grandchildren , 7 great great garndchildren and 4 great great great grandchildren. We all used to go to her house for Holiday dinners but since she has gone everyone has gone their own direction. It was like she was a link in a chain that kept us all together. But now that chain broke and we dont see each other any more. So I am just telling you this cause it can happen if

lindabirdx1 08:10:00 AM Nov 21 2007

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To Marie and The Osmond Family, I want to say how very sorry I am for you and your family's loss.I admire your family's love and strength and that must be a blessing to have during this sad time. I have enjoyed being entertained by you and your family throughout the years. I feel like we are close friends even though we have never met.I just want to say that I love you all and that you are all in my prayers. God Bless You!!!

sehusse 07:57:00 AM Nov 21 2007

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Three failed marriages,eight children(some in re-hab)diet and alcohol issues;could this Train-Wreck be Britney,Lindsey or Paris?No,it's Marie,getting the "God Card" to excuse her of everything bad she does while her fans condemn everyone else.Typical hypocrites,but God always ultimately knows who you are.

robbh3811 07:43:34 AM Nov 21 2007

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Trash Warren all you'd like, but individuals are responsible for their choices and who they follow. And yes you can fault the whole group for following a cult leader. I feel for their loss and wish them the best. But how much a greater prayer and hope that they would find the real Christ and truly know that Salvation is completely through Him and Him alone. Not some messed up message of works sallvation,and the lies and of Madman. Read about old Joe's history and how he came up with all that crap........Finding huge Golden Tablets and a huge pair of golden glasses that allowed him to understand what was written on them. Yet somehow those tablets and glasses are not able to be found anywhere? It is the wildest, cookiest story you've ever heard and their bible is based on it.................