GOSSIP & RUMORS: Donny Osmond breaks silence on brother Wayne’s death at 73

Donny Osmond has addressed his older brother Wayne’s shocking death.

Wayne passed away on New Year’s Day after suffering a massive stroke, his family confirmed. He was 73.

Donny revealed that he was able to say goodbye to Wayne before he died.

“My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed,” the “Puppy Love” singer, 67, wrote in a tribute post on Thursday.

Reflecting on his late brother, Donny said, “Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”

He continued, “I’m sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother.”

Donny is turning to his Mormon faith as he mourns the devastating loss.

“Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity,” he added.

The superstar ended his heartfelt message: “I love you, Wayne. Your brother forever.”

Donny wasn’t the only sibling who was able to see Wayne before he died.

Merrill Osmond, 71, said in a Facebook post that he drove to the hospital and “was able to say my goodbyes.”

The family initially confirmed his death in a statement to Utah ABC news affiliate KTVX.

“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” the family’s message read. “His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world.”

They added, “He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.”

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Wayne is the first of the nine Osmond siblings to pass away.

Besides Donny and Merrill, Wayne’s siblings include Virl, 79; Tom, 77; Alan, 75; Jay, 69; Marie, 65, and Jimmy, 61.

He was also an original member of the Osmond Brothers group, which also included Alan, Merrill and Jay. They later added Jimmy and Donny to the band.

The brothers found success in 1971 with their single “One Bad Apple.” The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for five weeks.

The group later separated to pursue solo careers, with Donny and Marie teaming up and finding stardom together.

Wayne married former Miss Utah Kathlyn White in 1974. The pair had five children together.