The oldest sibling of the Osmonds died on Monday at 76.

Marie Osmond reveals brother Alan’s hopes for the afterlife in heartbreaking final words

The oldest sibling of the Osmonds died on Monday at 76.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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April 23, 2026 2:42 p.m. ET

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Marie Osmond; Alan Osmond. Credit:

- Marie Osmond is paying tribute to her late brother, Alan, who died on Monday evening.

- She wrote about his final words to her, wherein he shared what he "can't wait to see" in the afterlife.

- "He was always very protective of me... but he was always there if I needed him!" she said of their relationship.

Marie Osmond is reflecting on her brother Alan's final moments.

In an emotional Instagram post, Marie shared throwback photos of her famous family, along with her brother Alan's final words to her. Alan, the oldest member of the Osmonds supergroup, died at 76 on Monday, April 20. His brother Merrill announced his death the following day.

"The years and years of memories I have of my big brother Alan could never be written in a few words — it would take volumes — but I shall try," wrote Marie, who was the only sister among the Osmonds.

"I know I had a different relationship with him than he had with his brothers, and I must say I loved that!😄 He was always very protective of me (not so sure I love that one)😂 but he was always there if I needed him!"

The Osmonds and friends in 1973.

Michael Putland/Getty

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Marie also recalled Alan's musical talent and determination to perform as the Osmond Brothers with Merrill, Wayne, and Jay in Hawaii in October 2018. "He hugged me and said, 'Thank you, I get to be on stage one last time with my brothers,' " Marie wrote of the experience.

"The determination he manifested to stand up out of his wheelchair and be next to his brothers was simply unbelievable!!!" (Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s.)

Alan, Jimmy, Wayne, Marie, Merrill, Donny, and Jay Osmond.

She then detailed a "quiet moment" in which she experienced a "most unique feeling" and the presence of her mom. "It was like she said to my heart, 'Honey, do you remember how excited you were for the birth of your child? Well, that's how excited I am for the rebirth of my child here.' What a joyous reunion and rebirth that took place on the other side. I know he's happy."

Marie said the last thing Alan told her before he died was, "I can’t wait to see brother Wayne, so we can be missionary companions together and start preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who never had the opportunity to hear his message of peace and hope in this life." Wayne Osmond died in January 2025.

"That’s my brother Alan!! I love you so very much and will miss you dearly.💔," she concluded her emotional tribute.

Donny Osmond explains why the comedy on 'Donny & Marie' looked silly

Marie Osmond pays tribute to late brother Wayne: 'I will miss you'

Brothers Donny and Merrill also paid tribute to Alan. "That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine," Donny wrote with a throwback photo of him and his oldest brother.

"Alan was our leader in every sense of the word. His tireless work helped build everything we became. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he showed — not just to me, but to every member of our family," Donny continued. "I owe him more than I can ever fully express. I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me."

Merrill reflected on a "tender moment" before Alan's death that he will "never forget," saying, "He leaned close and whispered something into my ear. He said, 'Merrill, you and I worked side by side. We created, we produced, we directed… we gave our hearts to The Plan with Wayne. Please… do something with it. Let people know what we were trying to say,'" Merrill posted on Facebook. "I want you to know, his request will be honored."

Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Jimmy, Donny, Marie, and Alan Osmond in 1975.

Michael Putland/Getty

Alan is credited, along with his siblings, for singing and writing "One Bad Apple," "Crazy Horses," "Are You Up There?" and "Stadium of Fire," the latter with brother Merrill.

Along with siblings Marie, Virl, Tom, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, Alan is survived by his wife of 51 years Suzanne, as well as his sons Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler, per KUTV.

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