Alan Osmond, the eldest performing member ofThe Osmonds, died in Salt Lake City on Monday 20 April at the age of 76, with reports saying he passed away peacefully at around8.30pm local time after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, surrounded by his wife Suzanne and their eight sons.

Osmond had lived with multiple sclerosis since 1987 and had largely stepped away from performing decades ago as the disease affected his mobility. His death marks the loss of one of the key figures behind a family act that became one of the most recognisable names in 1970s pop. Although he had battled MS for years, his family has not publicly given a more specific medical cause of death.

Local media in Utahfirst reported that Alan Osmond died at 8.30pm on 20 April, withOK!later noting that he 'took his last breath' with'those nearest and dearest to his heart by his side.'That included Suzanne, his wife of more than 50 years, and their eight sons.

Multiple sclerosis shaped much of his later life. Diagnosed in 1987, he first noticed symptoms on stage when he lost strength in his right hand. Over time, the condition limited his movement and pushed him away from the demanding touring schedule that had defined his early career. Whether MS directly caused his death remains unclear, as his family have not issued further medical details beyond confirming the date and his age.

Alan Osmond, the eldest sibling of the family pop group The Osmonds, has died, according to multiple news reports. He was 76.The singer died on April 20 with his wife Suzanne and their eight sons at his side, a family spokesperson said in a statement.The brother of fellow…pic.twitter.com/gYiOIQ3bNs

What his family have stressed is the manner of his passing. A press release quoted by US outlets said he'passed away peacefully'and that his final days were centred on family and faith. That tone was echoed by his younger brother Merrill, who issued a statement throughPeople.

'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my beloved brother, Alan Osmond,' Merrill said. 'I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together. Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many.'

In a longer Facebook post, Merrill described sitting 'quietly' with Alan two days before the end, talking 'heart to heart' as brothers. Even then, he wrote, Alan found enough strength to chuckle at a joke and lean close with what sounded like a final request.

'Merrill, you and I worked side by side,' he remembered his brother whispering. '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 said that promise 'will be honoured,' framing Alan's death not simply as a loss, but as a handover.

'He has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honour and peace,' Merrill added. 'His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose.'

Source: International Business Times UK