Donny Osmond Discloses ‘Illness’ & Makes Heartbreaking Announcement

Oct 04, 2023

Donny Osmond rose to fame when he joined his brothers’ band, The Osmonds, made up of Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Donny. During their peak between 1971 and 1975, the boy band was constantly at the top of the charts and created mass hysteria from fans wherever they went. Crowds of teenagers, often crying and screaming, would even end up chasing them. 

The phenomenon of “Osmondmania” was widespread, heightened by their clean-cut idol status due to their religious beliefs and wholesome lifestyle.

The Osmonds came from a large family with eight brothers — Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny and Jimmy Osmond, and one sister, Marie Osmond, who was born into stardom as her brothers were already famous by the time she was born. 

When The Osmonds stopped producing music, Marie and Donny became a pop duo. They released the popular singles “Morning Side of the Mountain” and “I'm Leaving It All Up to You.” Their continued growth in popularity led them to front their own show in 1976 called “Donny & Marie.”

Considering his background, it's no surprise to learn that Donny is a keen family man — not only does he come from a large family, but his career was forged alongside his siblings. Married to his wife Debbie Osmond, Donny would go on to have a brood of boys himself, five to be exact!

Aside from having children, the musician also has a large family. As of October 2023, he was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren. Donny would show off his big family on social media as they would celebrate holidays as well as watch concerts of the patriarch.

In September 2023, Donny made a devastating announcement regarding his health and career.

Donny Osmond is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand artists throughout his entire career, as he had a residency with his sister, Marie Osmond, in Las Vegas that lasted for over 11 years.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the singer and his sibling performed in over 1,730 shows at the Flamingo Las Vegas before they wrapped it up in November 2019.

Although the entirety of his 11-year residency was mostly successful, there was a time in 2019 when he suffered from a medical issue as it was found out by doctors that his spine had shifted after he endured injuries from dancing, which included his winning season on “Dancing With The Stars” 10 years prior.

“I couldn’t feel my arms, then suddenly my legs too… I didn’t tell anyone what was happening to me......I just kept dancing and finished the show,” he told the Daily Mirror in 2021.

He underwent surgery for his back and neck issues, but just as he thought things were heading in the right direction, he suffered from a “secondary infection” back when he was recovering in Utah.

“I thought everything was going to be fine, but it couldn’t have been worse… I got a secondary infection which meant I wasn’t able to move,” he said.

He also told the outlet that he feared he would never have the chance to walk again as he said that the idea crossed his mind, but he “didn’t take no for an answer.”

Fortunately, Donny was able to get help from “great professionals.” He also credited being positive throughout the process of recovery.

In August 2021, the singer launched his solo residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas and has been performing in Sin City ever since.

The series of shows was successful as it won several awards, which included the resident performer/headliner award, the best family-friendly show award, and the best production show award at the 2022 Best of Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, in September 2023, the musician seemed to have had another hurdle as he was forced to cancel two of his scheduled shows due to “illness.”

In an announcement shared on his official Instagram account, Donny wrote, “I am heartbroken to let you know that I will be canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows at Harrah’s Las Vegas due to illness.”

The musician added that the number one priority was the safety of staff, crew, as well as attendees of the show.

“I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this caused and appreciate your understanding,” he added.

As of October 2023, Donny has yet to share the specifics behind his “illness,” but he bounced back a few days later as he went back to performing again in front of his fans.

In a separate post shared in late September 2023, the singer wrote, “I am feelings better and excited to get back on stage tonight @harrahsvegas.”

Fans took to the comment section to share their well-wishes for the singer.

“I am so happy to hear that u r feeling better. Wish you good health always. Love you,” one wrote.

“Can’t keep a good man down , glad your feeling better Donny ❤️,” another one wrote.

What do you think of Donny Osmond’s previous health struggles? Would you watch him in his future shows? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to pass this on to your friends and family.