Alan Osmond’s son, American Idol alum David Osmond, is remembering his late father and reflecting on their shared multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
“Last night, my dad passed away. To be honest… I’m still trying to process it,” David, 46, shared via Instagram on Tuesday, April 21, alongside multiple photos of him and Alan, who died on Monday, April 20, at age 76.
“It’s hard to put into words what a life like his really means. He wasn’t just my father. He was an immense example of strength, of kindness, of how to treat people, and how to show up when it matters most,” David, who competed on season 8 of American Idol, added.
Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987 and lived with his symptoms for nearly four decades. David, one of the singer’s eight children with wife Suzanne Pinegar, was diagnosed with the same disease in 2005.
“He was my buddy, and I shared so much in common with him. The love of music, yes, but strangely, we even shared the same diagnosis of MS,” David wrote. “We knew each other’s frustrations in that without even saying a word. Just a long hug, and we understood each other in a rare and beautifully unique way. Having a dad who led by example through the battle with resilience and determination, never EVER giving up, and encouraging me to do the same, was such a gift.”
“He’s larger than life in my heart and mind. His creativity, his faith, his ability to lead and inspire. There are so many things I’ll miss. The conversations, the laughter, the simple moments that didn’t feel big at the time but now mean everything,” David continued. “What I’m realizing is that the greatest gift he gave me wasn’t just in what he said or did, but in who he was. I feel him in every step that I take. And that’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
“My heart is broken, but it’s also full of immense gratitude. Grief for the tragic loss of his physical presence, but joy in the knowledge that he is now free,” he concluded. “I love you, Daddy-O! Thank you for everything.”
Alan was the eldest member of the pop group The Osmonds, which also featured his brothers Wayne, who died in January 2025 at age 73, Merrill, 72, Jay, 71, Donny, 68, and Jimmy, 63. His sister, Marie Osmond, also found fame as a singer and actress.
“This is one of the earliest pictures I have of my brother Alan and me. Even back then, you can see that he had his arm around me, watching over me,” Donny wrote in an Instagram tribute to his older brother on Tuesday. “That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine.”
Marie shared in her own post, “As his only sister, 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!”
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