Throwback Thursday: Osmond Brothers Bid Farewell On Marie’s 60th Birthday

In 2019, the Osmond Brothers – Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay– stopped by The Talk to not only wish their little sister Marie Osmond a happy 60th birthday but to perform for the very last time.

It was a tender performance of their song “ The Last Chapter.”

In a pre-taped segment, the quartet reflected on Marie and her birth into the world. “We always wanted a little sister, so when she showed up, it was the greatest time in our lives,” said Merrill. “She was our little princess.”

Alan chimed in, beaming, “We were seven brothers at the time. We went to the hospital after we found out it was a little girl, and we sang outside the hospital, looked up at the window. My mother held Marie out the window, as we sang ‘I Want a Girl.’”

The video montage featured clips from Marie’s life, from candid shots of crawling on the floor to appearing on the Andy Williams Show. The band made regular visits to the show from 1962 to 1969.

“It was a game-changer for all of us,” remembered Jay of the appearance, “because we knew she was going to be something amazing.”

During the musical performance, videos of the band’s journey played behind them on a big screen. Moments from their early days (performing as a barbershop quartet) flashed across the screen, as well as various other high-profile gigs.

Visibly emotional, Marie emerged from the crowd afterward to give thanks to her brothers.

“ I want to say that I’m so honored to be your sister,” she said. “ I love you guys. You’ve worked so hard. Enjoy your retirement.”

What is “The Last Chapter” about?

During their appearance on The Talk , Marie Osmond shared with the crowd what the song is about. “The Last Chapter,” written by Alan Osmond, serves as a “ thank you to all of you, their fans,” she said.

As suggested by the lyrics (below), the tender ballad radiates lines about love, kindness, and saying goodbye. The song first emerged back in 2018, but it wasn’t released until October 2019, to commemorate the show.

What are the lyrics to “The Last Chapter”?

It’s the last chapter in the book of life
From the beginning we knew wrong and rightWould have to be decided, would have to be made clear
Maybe that’s the reason we’re all gathered here

It’s the last chapter. We will make our lives
Fill all the pages the author said to writeTo make a perfect ending, to make all dreams come true
That’s why He gave us heaven, that’s why He gave us you

We love you, we promise you it’s true
So hold on until the world is throughPut away your fears, put away your sorrows
As long as we’re together bring on tomorrows

It’s the last chapter, why worry about the end
In all His wisdom the messenger did sendAnswers to all reason, the meaning to all rhyme
A love that lasts forever, eternal in its time

So when you’re feeling down, and tears fill your eyes
Just remember now who’s standing by your sideA love that lasts forever, a love we know is true
As long as we’re together, as long as we have you

We love you, and promise you it’s true
So hold on until the world is throughPut away your tears, and put away your sorrows
As long as we’re together, bring on tomorrows

In the last chapter, why worry about the end
In all His wisdom the messenger did sendAnswers to all meaning, reasons to all rhyme
That’s why He gave us heaven, that’s why He gave us you

We love you!

Why did the Osmond Brothers retire?

The quartet, which is the original lineup of brothers, performed through their 50th anniversary in 2007. Due to health concerns, both Alan and Wayne retired.

Jimmy then returned to the band, making it a trio with Merrill and Jay for a number of years.

In 2018, Jimmy suffered a stroke and retired, which led to Alan’s son Danny joining the band a year later.

Following the quartet’s final TV performance, Merrill and Jay continued to tour. Merrill later retired in 2022 due to unspecified reasons.