Alan Osmond, Oldest Brother In Family Music Group The Osmonds, Dies At 76

Alan Osmond, oldest personnel of nan famed signing Osmond family, died and near a bequest of having "quietly carried truthful overmuch work truthful nan remainder of america could shine," his loved ones said connected Tuesday.

The 76-year-old's origin of decease was not instantly disclosed.

Donny Osmond, nan astir celebrated of nan siblings on pinch sister Marie, posted a black-and-white image of his older relative and told fans that Alan was nan family's rock.

"Even backmost then, you tin spot that he had his limb astir me, watching complete me. That’s who he was. My protector. My guide," Donny Osmond, 68, said successful a statement.

"The 1 who softly carried truthful overmuch work truthful nan remainder of america could shine. Alan was our leader successful each consciousness of nan word. His tireless activity helped build everything we became."

The "Donny & Marie" assortment hr became 1 of nan biggest TV shows of its time, airing connected ABC betwixt 1976 and 1979.

But earlier “Donny & Marie,” location was The Osmonds, a boy set consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay who sang barbershop quartet.

The Osmonds, from left, Merrill, Alan, Jay, Wayne and Donny, execute connected nan Andy Williams Show successful 1966.Gerald Smith / NBC

Younger brothers Donny and Jimmy later joined nan group. Their only sister, Marie, launched her ain solo profession earlier she and Donny joined forces for "Donny & Marie."

Older brothers George Virl Osmond Jr. and Tom Osmond were born deaf and did not usually perform pinch nan remainder of nan family.

"I will ever beryllium grateful for nan sacrifices he made and nan emotion he showed — not conscionable to me, but to each personnel of our family," Donny Osmond said. "I beryllium him much than I tin ever afloat express. I emotion you, Alan. Thank you for ever being location for me."

Merrill Osmond, 72, asked fans not to outcry complete his brother's passing but to observe Alan's life arsenic a heavy believer successful nan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"His grounds is not gone, it lives on, and it will proceed to beryllium felt acold beyond this life," Merrill said in a statement.

"So please, don’t fto your hearts beryllium heavy. Don’t weep for him. Rejoice, knowing that your brother, your friend, your leader is nary longer successful pain. He is free. He is whole. He is home."