David Osmond has paid tribute to his father Alan Osmond, reflecting on his shared multiple sclerosis diagnosis following his death at the age of 76.
“He was my friend and I shared a lot in common with him,” the “American Idol” alum wrote in a touching Instagram tribute Tuesday. “Obviously we had a love for music, but strangely, we also shared a diagnosis of MS. Even without speaking, we understood each other’s frustrations.”
David added: “With just a long hug, we understood each other in a rare, beautiful and unique way.”
The musician described Alan as leading by example, fighting his illness “with resilience and determination,” teaching him “never (give up),” and “encouraging me to do the same.”
Alan was first diagnosed with MS in 1987 when he could no longer raise his right hand on stage.
The artist refuses to be defined by her condition and lives by the motto: “I may have MS, but MS doesn’t have me!”
David, one of eight children of Alan and his wife Suzanne Pinegar, was diagnosed with MS in 2005.
In his Instagram post, the motivational actor went on to admit he was still “trying to come to terms” with Alan’s death.
“It’s hard to describe in words what a life like his really meant. He was more than just a father,” David continued. “He was an invaluable example of strength, kindness, how to treat people and how to show up when it mattered most.”
David explained that when he looks back, all the little moments he spent with his father now “mean everything.”
The Osmonds’ second-generation founder concluded his message with, “My heart is broken, but also filled with immense gratitude. I am saddened by the tragic loss of his physical presence, but joyful in knowing he is now free. I love you, Papa O! Thank you for everything.”
David also included a series of throwback photos of himself and Alan over the years.
Alan passed away at 8:30pm local time on April 20th, surrounded by his wife Suzanne Pinegar and their children. However, his cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Alan rose to fame in 1958 when he formed the barbershop quartet the Osmond Brothers with his three brothers (Wayne, who died in 2025 at the age of 73, Merrill, 72, and Jay, 71).
The group was later joined by the youngest brothers, Donnie (age 68) and Jimmy (age 63), and became known as the Osmonds.
Although her 66-year-old sister Marie also participated in a few featured songs, she achieved success primarily as a solo singer and actress.
After Alan’s death, his siblings shared a series of memories about their brother on social media.
“As his only sister, I know I had a different relationship with him than my brothers, and I have to say I loved it! 😄 He was always so protective of me (I don’t know if I loved it or not) 😂 But if I needed him, he was always there!” Marie wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Donnie took to the stage and posted a photo of Alan holding him as a baby.
“Even back then, I could see him with his arms around me, watching over me. That’s who he was. My protector, my guide. The one who quietly shouldered so many responsibilities so that the rest of us could shine,” he captioned the image.
