I grew up a little bit obsessed with the Osmonds. I have mentioned many, many times that Donny Osmond was my first celebrity crush. and I won’t tell you how many times I sat through Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat just so I could watch Sir Donny in a loincloth (rawr). And it wasn’t just Donny. I liked Marie too (with the exception of her hair in that Nutrisystem commercial where it forgot that it’s not 1982). And, truly, I feel like this family has just seen enough tragedy.
On Saturday, when Donny simply stated, “Please pray for my sister and her family,” when reports started swirling that Marie’s 18-year-old son Michael had leapt eight stories to his death, I was shocked. and then on Sunday, when Marie released this statement, “My family and I are devastated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time,” I was heartbroken for the family.
(this picture is from 1999…Michael is in front)
Michael, a first-year student at The Fashion Institute of Design, had been battling depression for quite some time, and apparently noted that as the reason for his suicide. In 2007, he had entered a rehab facility, but the reason was never disclosed.
Today I will do exactly what Michael’s uncle Donny asked us to do…pray for Marie and her family.
This is so, so sad. Every parents greatest nightmare.
Such a sad story 🙁