Wayne Osmond died on January 1, 2025, after a stroke. He was 73. On August 28, it would have been his 74th birthday, and Wayne’s brother, Donny Osmond, celebrated him with a sweet post on Instagram.
Donny Osmond Celebrates Wayne’s Birthday
Donny, who competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in Season 9 and won the Mirrorball Trophy alongside professional partner Kym Johnson, posted two photos of himself and Wayne from happy times. They are smiling into the camera, and Wayne is making a bold fashion statement with his bright orange shirt and denim overalls. In the first picture, he is also holding up an outfit he wore in his younger years.
“I found the outfit Wayne wore on stage in the ‘70s and gave it back to him, not knowing it would become one of our last cherished moments together,” Donny wrote in the caption. “Happy birthday, my dear brother. Happy birthday, Wayne. I’m beyond grateful for the time we shared and the bond we’ll always have.”
The brothers were incredibly close, and fans have flooded the comment section of the post to share their thoughts, offer condolences, and express their love. “I remember that outfit! Wayne had a beautiful voice. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Wayne,” a comment reads.
“I always enjoyed watching the Osmonds perform. Wayne always seemed to be the one who had so much fun,” another fan shared.
Other reactions include, “Happy heavenly Birthday to your dear brother Wayne, a true gentleman, sadly missed,” and “Glad that you have those sweet memories Donny.”
Wayne Is Missed
At the time of Wayne’s death, Donny made a heartfelt post on Instagram sharing the sad news. “My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke,” Donny wrote. Later in his message, he reflected on the brilliant human that his brother was and what he means to him.
“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 shared.
Wayne has been on Donny’s mind a lot this week, and on August 28, he also shared a video on Instagram of himself telling a story about Wayne’s funeral. “My brother Wayne hated funerals,” Donny said in a clip. “He said to his family, ‘When I die, I don’t want a funeral, I want a party. Please throw me a party.’”
His family lovingly held a funeral, but Wayne got his party in the end because the hearse carrying his coffin ran over balloons. “The hearse pulls off the freeway, pulls into the grave site, and as it pulls in, the balloons release,” Donny shared.
