The Osmond Family’s Transformation Over The Years

The Osmonds grew up in Ogden, Utah, with their parents, George and Olive Osmond. The eldest child, Virl Osmond, was born in 1945, followed by his siblings Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Marie Osmond. Jimmy, the youngest Osmond, came along in 1967. The nine siblings grew up in a loving but strict household. George and Olive were devoted Mormons and raised their children in the LDS Church. For the young Osmonds, religion was the epicenter of life. “When it came to showbiz, our grandparents established this. They said, “If you’re gonna do this industry, here are the rules, the hierarchy; God, then family, and then showbiz,’” Donny’s son, Brandon Osmond, shared in a 2022 Fox 13 Salt Lake City segment.

In addition to worshiping at the LDS Church, the Osmond family had a strong affinity for music. The children learned to sing, dance, and play various instruments. During family nights, they entertained each other with cheerful songs and riveting musical performances. But there was also an intense side to George Osmond. In later years, some fans criticized the family patriarch for being a harsh disciplinarian and reportedly pressuring the kids to perform. However, Donny defended his father. “When you look at his background, the man is a hero,” he told The Guardian in 2001. “Especially keeping nine children together in the world of show business. He really did it right, in my opinion. He disciplined us the best way he possibly could.”