Is Merrill Osmond Sick? What is Wrong with Him? What Illness Does He Have?

Who is Merrill Osmond?

Merrill Davis Osmond, born on April 30, 1953, is an accomplished American musician, singer, and occasional actor. He gained prominence as the lead vocalist and bassist of the renowned family music group, The Osmonds, as well as The Osmond Brothers. Merrill has also ventured into a solo career, showcasing his talent as an individual artist.

Hailing from Ogden, Utah, Merrill is the fifth child among nine siblings, born to Olive May (née Davis; 1925–2004) and George Virl Osmond (1917–2007). Growing up in a musically inclined family, Merrill developed his skills and passion for music from a young age.

He contributed his distinctive vocals and played the bass guitar, leaving an indelible mark on the success of The Osmonds. Throughout his career, Merrill Osmond has made significant contributions to the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy with his musical talents and performances.

Is Merrill Osmond Sick? 

As of June 2024, there is no public information suggesting that Merrill Osmond is currently sick. While Merrill has been candid about his battles with mental health issues and diabetes in the past, there have been no recent statements or reports regarding his health status. He has been observed in public appearances, and there are no indications of any health concerns at this time.

Merrill Osmond, born in Ogden, Utah, is the fifth child of Olive May (née Davis; 1925–2004) and George Virl Osmond (1917–2007). He was the first among his performing siblings to enter marriage, tying the knot with Mary Carlson on September 17, 1973. Together, they have four sons, and two daughters, and are blessed with 15 grandchildren.

Notably, Merrill’s second son, Justin, shares the same hearing impairment as his uncles, Virl and Tom Osmond, who are Merrill’s two older brothers. Justin actively engages with various organizations and initiated the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund in 2010. Unfortunately, Merrill experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his youngest son. 

Troy, who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of 33 on November 9, 2018, due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Like the rest of his family, Merrill Osmond adheres to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His website includes a statement of faith expressing his belief in the Book of Mormon, the prophecies of Joseph Smith, and the compatibility of the church with mainstream Christianity. In accordance with the traditions of the church, all of Merrill’s sons have served as missionaries, carrying out religious work.

What is Wrong with Merrill Osmond? 

Merrill Osmond, the lead singer, and bassist of The Osmonds, has faced various mental health challenges throughout his life in the spotlight. Despite achieving fame and success as part of the popular musical group, Merrill has openly discussed his struggles with eating disorders, and bipolar disorder, and even attempted to take his own life.

Merrill’s battle with mental health issues sheds light on the fact that fame and success do not necessarily guarantee happiness or inner peace. Behind the glitz and glamour of his music career, he has dealt with profound emotional turmoil. One aspect of Merrill’s mental health journey is his experience with eating disorders.

These disorders can encompass a range of conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. The pressure to maintain a certain image and conform to societal expectations of appearance can significantly impact a person’s mental well-being. Merrill’s willingness to discuss his struggles helps raise awareness about the prevalence of eating disorders and the importance of seeking support and treatment.

Additionally, Merrill has revealed that he lives with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of elevated or manic states and episodes of depression and anxiety. Bipolar disorder can significantly affect a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. Merrill’s openness about his diagnosis helps combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourages others to seek professional help and find effective coping strategies.

In a particularly challenging period of his life, Merrill also disclosed his experience with attempting to take his own life. This highlights the immense psychological pain he endured and the seriousness of his mental health struggles. Merrill’s willingness to share his story serves as a reminder of the importance of destigmatizing discussions around suicide and providing support to those in need.

What Illness does Merrill Osmond have?

Merrill Osmond, the lead singer, and bassist of The Osmonds, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. Despite the cheerful image portrayed by The Osmonds during their heyday, Merrill has struggled with severe depression, which at one point led him to contemplate taking his own life.

Merrill’s battle with depression started at a young age and has persisted throughout his life. It wasn’t until he reached the age of 30 that he received a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This disorder is characterized by periods of intense highs, known as manic episodes, and lows, known as depressive episodes.

These episodes can be so intense that he finds himself crying throughout the night. Managing his mental health requires considerable effort and self-talk. Merrill mentioned that even when faced with professional commitments and press interviews, he sometimes struggles to find the motivation to get out of bed.

However, with the help of his assistant, he has learned strategies to cope with these challenging moments and push through. Merrill’s openness about his mental health journey serves as a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of external success or public perception.

His experiences highlight the importance of seeking professional help, finding effective coping mechanisms, and building a support system to navigate the complexities of bipolar disorder and depression.

Merrill Osmond Final Performance

Merrill Osmond’s final performance in the United States took place on April 2, 2022, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The show was a momentous occasion as Merrill bid farewell to his touring career in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 enthusiastic fans. The performance showcased a mix of Merrill’s solo hits and beloved songs from his time with the Osmonds, creating a nostalgic and memorable experience.

During the show, Merrill was joined on stage by his brother Donny Osmond for a special duet of their classic song “Puppy Love,” adding an extra layer of sentimentality to the event. The audience was treated to an exceptional display of Merrill’s musical talents and heartfelt performances, capturing the essence of his remarkable career.

Merrill’s decision to retire from touring was announced in January 2022, driven by his desire to prioritize his family and personal well-being. His openness about his struggles with mental health and diabetes resonated with fans, who showed their unwavering support throughout his journey. The final performance was a bittersweet moment for both Merrill and his devoted fans.

While it marked the end of an era, it was also a celebration of his remarkable contributions to the music industry. Emotions ran high as Merrill expressed gratitude to the crowd for their continuous support over the years.