Marie Osmond and her grandchildren | Marie Osmond and her children | Source: Facebook.com/marieosmond | Getty Images
Marie Osmond performs in her concert "A Symphonic Christmas" in Atlantic City, New Jersey on December 10, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Marie Osmond, an actress and singer, has a career in the Hollywood industry that spans across various sectors. Her work in film, music, talk shows, and television has made her a global icon.
Osmond was born into a large show business family, but reaching such great heights in her career was not an easy thing. Born on October 13, 1959, in Ogden, Utah, the superstar began her journey to greatness at a very young age.
Marie Osmond at The Storybook Suite to Benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in Hollywood, California, on May 14, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Lisa Marie Presley kept her late son’s body on dry ice in her home for two months after he died
Marie has eight siblings and is the only girl in her family. She enjoyed watching her older siblings sing as a unit as the “Osmond Brothers.” Marie’s father was in charge of the group, which finally came into the limelight in 1962 after they were featured on “The Andy Williams Show.”
Marie Osmond pictured at the National Television Awards at 02 Arena in London, England in 2013. | Photo: Getty Images
The singer was only a toddler in the early 1960s, but her age didn’t stop her from joining her brothers on the exceptional TV show. Her siblings were hardworking as they had to memorize scripts, sing songs in a different language for foreign tours, play instruments, and dance.
The “Osmonds Brothers” Wayne, Jay, Donny, Merrill, and Alan in London October 29 1972. | Source: Getty Images
The “Osmond Brothers” soon became a worldwide pop sensation due to their dedication to their work. As much as the singer and her brothers were soaring high together, Marie began her own journey for individual fame and recognition.
In 1973, Marie’s solo career started on a high note. She released her album “Paper Roses,” which was leading in the country’s music charts. The song also was among those in the top five on the pop charts. The success that came with “Paper Roses” became the start of an incredible career for Marie.
Marie Osmond debuts her Marie Lifestyle Collection line of fashion accessories and home decor by Giftcraft at a Hallmark Gold Crown store in Henderson, Nevada on November 21, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Soon, the singer acquired more fans after she released some of her memorable albums, “In My Little Corner Of The World” and “Who’s Sorry Now.” Marie was now a talented solo artist, realizing her dreams, but she still made bestselling songs with her family. In 1974, Marie and her older brother Donny collaborated to create the songs “Morning Side Of The Mountain” and “I’m Leaving It All Up To You.”
The actress’s decision emanated from an experience.
The sibling duo didn’t stop their collaboration at releasing music. In January 1976, they started a TV variety program called “Donny & Marie.” The show showcased most of the Osmond family. It also welcomed famous people like Andy Gibb, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Lynde, and others.
Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond perform on ABC's "Good Morning America" in New York City on August 15, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Marie continued working even after the show stopped airing in May 1979. Donny and his sister worked together again when they performed at their Las Vegas residency for 11 years. Marie also starred in movies like “Rose Petal Place” and “Side By Side: The Story Of The Osmond Family,” amongst others. She then became a part of “The Talk” as a co-host for season 11.
Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond during the TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California on March 19, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
For the “Deep Purple” singer, reinventing herself and getting back up in life was crucial for her long career. She recalled getting a call from her mom when she was 18 and had just moved to New York City. Marie, who has been nominated for three Grammys, added that she will never forget this call as it was when her mother told her that her brothers had lost everything:
“I believe it was around $100 million dollars. That’s when I knew I had to step up and take charge of my life.”
Virl Osmond, Alan Osmond, Jimmy Osmond, Jay Osmond, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Merrill Osmond, Wayne Osmond and Tom Osmond, perform at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 14, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
According to Marie’s brother, Jimmy Osmond, in an interview in 2014, the amount they lost was $80 million, which was approximately $100 million at the time of the interview. This loss only pushed Marie to work harder. She has written three books that are New York Times bestsellers and competed on season 5 of “Dancing With the Stars,” coming in fifth place.
These achievements may seem more than enough to warrant a retirement, but Marie is still pushing on. She feels so blessed that she has done so many different things, but she admitted that she always has something she wants to do:
“I probably will work until I’m dead just because it’s always been a safe place for me.”
Marie Osmond sings the American national before a preseason game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 14, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Marie continued working because when life was tough, it was work that gave her a refuge. Through her career, she was able to support her family, and she loved it. On stage, she could also leave her problems behind for even an hour while she performed.
Looking back, Marie said the one thing she used to sustain herself in the entertainment and business industry was the ethic of hard work. Her father and mother taught her and her siblings to work hard at everything and not just in entertainment.
Marie Osmond with sons Stephen, Michael, and Brandon at the "Toy Story 2" premiere on November 13, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
However, Marie can’t believe she has worked this long and consistently. She thought she’d have retired by now, but she feels absolutely blessed that her fans are still captivated by her career and the things she does.
Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, and children during the Ringling Bros. Circus opening night benefit for Make-a-Wish Foundation on July 2, 1998 | Photo: Getty Images
Aside from her career, Marie dedicated her life to raising her kids. She said she was always the financial support of the family such that when the last kid left home, she had to reevaluate herself.
Marie Osmond and daughters Rachel and Jessica at the gala to benefit Make A Wish Foundation on July 22, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Marie’s Seven Kids and Grandkids
The television host’s success story would not be complete without mentioning her eight children, whom she loves to spoil. Marie is a mom to Stephen Jr., Jessica, Rachel, Michael, Abigail, Brandon, Matthew, and Brianna. The singer lost Michael in 2010 when he was only 18.
Four of Marie’s kids are adopted. Like their mother, all of the kids are doing very well. The singer is proud of everything they have accomplished, including starting their own families. As much as her kids have different parenting styles, they are all outstanding humans in Marie’s eyes.
Stephen Jr., 40, who Marie shares with her first husband, Stephen Craig, is an actor known for his role in “It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas.” The actor is married to Claire Olds, and they share four kids, Stephen, Christian, Maxwell, and Olive.
Jessica, 35, who was adopted, is gay and has been happily married to her wife, Sara, since 2019. The pair live in Los Angeles, California.
Like her sister, Rachel is also married. She tied the knot with fashion designer Gabriel Krueger, and the pair are loving parents of two children, Rocket and Wolf.
Brandon is currently 26 years old and prefers to keep his life away from social media. On the other hand, Brianna, 25, who was also adopted, is a makeup artist. She is married to David Schwep, and the duo has two kids, Maude and Mabel.
Not much is known about Abigail, who is currently 20 years old and the youngest of Marie’s children; however, she is a high school graduate. The singer’s second biological child, Matthew, 24, was born in 1999. He is a devoted Christian and sets aside time to help people.
Marie is pleased with her kids as parents. All her girls are stay-at-home moms. The singer gushed that her daughters are great moms and her daughter-in-law is the best mom. Marie worked a lot when raising her kids and would go to work even at night, so her kids took a different path to parenting.
The 64-year-old singer’s children are dedicated to raising kind and good kids who learn, work hard, and are polite. “I’m really proud of my children as parents,” Marie confessed. She is happy that her kids blessed her with grandkids, and she calls herself a “fun grandma.”
The singer revealed that she has conversations with her eight grandkids about her career, where she tells them that “Grandma has a job.” The loving mother and grandmother has also spoken about her plans for her kids when she dies.
No Inheritance for Marie’s Kids
Marie has succeeded in her life and garnered wealth. The singer has a deep love for her children, but she confessed that she will not be leaving them a fortune when she dies. In an episode of “The Talk” in 2020, the author revealed the goals she has for her riches after her death.
Marie Osmond and Stephen Osmond at the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 27, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
The singer stated that she would be leaving her assets to a charity upon her demise. As for her seven children, the “Hugo the Hippo” star announced that she would be leaving them out as the recipients of her fortune upon her future death.
Marie Osmond and Jack at "The Parent Trap" premiere in Los Angeles, California on July 2, 1998. | Source: Getty Images
The “Side by Side” actress explained that she and her husband know that by giving their children their fortune, they will have done them a “great disservice.” Marie noted that wealthy people who give over all their money to their kids often end up depriving them of the one most essential reward they could bestow their children, which is the ability to work.
Marie Osmond and daughter at the benefit for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation on May 8, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
The “One Bad Apple” singer pointed out that people who have lots of wealth are supposed to educate their kids about its value so that they can understand and respect it. The actress’s decision emanated from an experience. She revealed that she had a close family that fought over a mirror and table when her uncle and aunt died, so Marie promised herself that it would never happen in her family.
The “I Married Wyatt” actress said in 2023 that she was still firm on her decision not to leave her children an inheritance. Marie noted that she doesn’t know anyone who amounted to anything by just being handed over money. “Honestly, why would you enable your child to not try something?” she asked.
Marie Osmond and daughter at the opening night benefit for the Ringling Bros Circus for Make a Wish Foundation on July 2, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Marie feels that the greatest gift she can give her kids is the opportunity to pursue their passions and find out who they are through working. The singer argued that by leaving her kids an inheritance, she would breed laziness and entitlement in them. Her rule with her kids is that whatever they start, they must work hard to finish.
Marie Osmond, Donny Osmond, and sons during the 50th Annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on September 13, 1998. | Source: Getty Images
For Marie, leaving her kids with her wealth will make them uninspired and less willing to work, which will only harm them. The singer’s kids have to learn the joy of starting again when things don’t work, so giving them an inheritance robs them of the experience of figuring things out on their own.
Marie Osmond and sons Stephen, Michael, and Brandon at the "Toy Story 2" premiere on November 13, 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Marie has worked hard in her nearly 60-year career, and she wants her kids to go through a similar experience. She said the money she has made will now be used to enjoy the rest of her life as she has places to go and bucket lists to fulfill.
