Introduction:
George Osmond, the family patriarch, used cold and depersonalized parenting tactics on his children, which Donnie Osmond attributed to his father’s own abusive childhood and military background.
Marie Osmond developed an eating disorder at age 15 after a studio head called her “fat” and an “embarrassment” to her family. She would starve herself for days before tapings.
Merrill Osmond dealt with significant stress and mental health concerns, contemplating suicide at age 16 and later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Marie Osmond’s son Michael, who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, died by suicide in 2010 after telling his mother he felt alone and had no friends.
Marie Osmond also battled severe postpartum depression and later revealed that she had been sexually abused, connecting her trauma to the condition.
Both Alan Osmond and his son David were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative condition.
Several family members suffered tragic accidents and fatal health emergencies, including a grandchild of Jay Osmond’s wife who died in an accident and Merrill Osmond’s son Troy, who died of a heart attack at age 33.
In 2018, Jimmy Osmond suffered a stroke while performing on stage.
The two oldest Osmond brothers, Virl and Tom, were born with hearing impairments, and in recent years have dealt with a stroke and heart surgery, respectively.
Wayne Osmond was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1994, which he survived, but he later died of a stroke.