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OCTOBER 28, 2009 ~
During our short break between the regular season and
Christmas shows at our theater in Branson, Missouri, we had a couple of
Midwestern road dates. From there I was headed home for a few days,
but decided I just had to stop in L.A. first. This would be my only
opportunity to show some support to my brother Donny on Dancing With
The Stars. I left at the crack of dawn - literally - from Ohio,
and flew into Los Angeles. Donny's family was there, and it was nice
to catch up with all of them. I really enjoyed being at Dancing
With The Stars Monday, October 26th. I had a lot of fun, and it
didn't feel quite as intense as when I went to see Marie in the show a few
seasons ago. If you remember, the night I was there to see Marie was
the show where she fainted. Now that was intense! I think D is
doing great, and I look for him to make it all the way to the finals!
Another fun part of the evening was to talk with Mrs.
Jackson and LaToya, who were also in the audience that night. Mrs.
Jackson is such a sweet lady, and she reminds me so much of my little
mother. She told me how much she loved our family through the years
and how her family loved to watch us. She also mentioned how she
always loved the fact that she celebrated her birthday the same day as our
mother. She said she thinks of our mother every year when she
celebrates her own birthday. I told her about the time Michael
mentioned how they always watched us on television, and asked her if she
remembered that. She said that was absolutely true - that their
family always kept up with what we were doing. I just thought that
was so kind and sweet of her to say.
Donny and I at Dancing
With The Stars - October 26, 2009
JUNE
26, 2009 ~
Jay pays tribute to Michael Jackson...
As is the rest of the
world, I am greatly saddened by the passing of Michael Jackson. My
prayers are with the Jackson family during this most difficult time.
My experience meeting
Michael occurred around 1972. The Osmonds were performing at the CNE in
Toronto, Canada, and The Jacksons were scheduled to perform the following
day. The Jacksons were staying at the same hotel as we were, and we met
at a scheduled press conference. I think it was either Jackie or Jermaine
who suggested we play a game of basketball together. The game didn’t
happen, but we all had a fun night together. I remember Michael calling
me a “turkey” in fun. That really caught me by surprise, because no one
had called me a “turkey” before. (Sometimes when I’m having fun with my
sons, I’ll call them “turkeys,” and it always reminds me of that time when
Michael called me one.) I also remember hearing him being asked how he
felt the Jacksons compared to the Osmonds (that was a common question back
then, since both families came into the “spotlight” at about the same
time). Michael’s response to the question was, “We’re as different as
night and day!” A whole floor of the hotel was reserved for our two
families, and we had a great time playing football in the hallway. That
was my one and only time I visited with Michael, though my brothers
Merrill and Donny went on to see him again over the years.
| Merrill
saw him in Vegas, and I recall Michael inviting Donny to visit with
him several times. Michael once invited Donny to the Neverland Ranch, I
believe it was for his birthday celebration. Donny said the best part was
riding around the grounds with Quincy Jones and Michael. However, once at
the house, he was surprised how Michael lived. It was a sort of childlike
existence, with exotic animals as pets, and theme park rides on the
grounds. It was as though Michael lived in a dream world, because he
wasn’t able to live a “normal life.”
Michael had a unique
sense of humor about him, and told us he was so tired of watching The
Osmonds on the Andy Williams Show. He explained this was something their
father had them do, and Michael joked he became really tired of it! Our
families had many similarities, including our mothers having the same
birthday. We shared many experiences having both come into the spotlight
in the 1970s, and understood the internal pressures of how hard it is to
live a normal life in show business. Sadly, it seems Michael never seemed
to find a balance to ease that constant pressure. |
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Michael was a tremendous
talent. He will be missed, but leaves an unforgettable legacy of music
for the world to enjoy forever.
~ Jay Osmond
4-11-08
I'm so pleased with my nephew
Justin's endeavors to start the Osmond Hearing Center, and keep my
Mother's vision alive. Unfortunately, mass airline cancellations and
weather kept me from attending the ribbon cutting ceremony (April 10th),
but I wish Justin all the best and support him in this venture.
~ Jay
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The Osmond Hearing Center Grand Opening,
Springfield, Missouri
April 10, 2008
Justin Osmond, and his father,
Merrill Osmond,
were joined by long-time friend of the family,
Andy
Williams for the center's
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Photos by Carol Hooten |
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11-12-07
I wanted to thank everyone for being
so loyal and supportive of my Sis on Dancing With The Stars. It is
getting close to the finals, so she needs your votes now more than ever!
Please make sure to
vote for Marie!
Also,
be sure to tune in to
Entertainment Tonight tomorrow, Tuesday, November 13th. There are
plans for ET to be in Branson to interview the brothers.
You'll also
see us on the Larry King Live show Wednesday, November 14th. It has
been a crazy couple of weeks!
Thanks for
voting for Sis!
Love, Jay
4-3-07
I just want to let all our friends over in the UK
know that we're ready to rock'n'roll! In fact, my new song on stage
is, "Rock'n'roll'n Music." It's a lot of fun to sing and play drums on.
We also have a new 70s medley that we are putting into the show, so get
ready to have some fun!
See you soon!
3-6-07
I opened up a package the day before my birthday,
and couldn't believe my eyes! Not only was I overwhelmed by the
responses to my questions, but the responses were very touching. I just
wanted to let all those who participated in this great birthday surprise
know, that I truly appreciated your comments. I'm still in the
process of reading through all the pages, and I'm thoroughly enjoying
it.
Thank you again for your love and enthusiasm over
the years, and thanks for being a big part of my 52nd birthday!
3-3-06
Thank you so much for each of your
messages and pictures! It's so nice to have faces with names. As
many of you know, I am good at remembering faces, but when asked about
names, I sometimes draw a blank. Anyway, I spent the day of my
birthday inside my room. I have developed a throat congestion that is
hard to shake (let alone sing!). I have been struggling on stage to
get my voice out there and sing with my brothers, but those guys are
such pros, they cover my parts for me. I am having a great time over
here in the U.K. The response from our sweet fans is amazing. I
can't believe the love and enthusiasm you give. It's truly amazing.
No wonder we stay in this business! If it wasn't for the support and
love from all of you, we would have been gone a long time ago. I
really believe our mother helped us to realize how important it is to listen
to what the fans are saying. She impressed upon our minds that without
you, we would be history. Oh by the way, some of you didn't know that
I was studying history in college, but then I found out there was no
future in it. HA (just kidding)!
Well, I just wanted you all to know
that those birthday greetings and pictures cheered me up on my birthday.
I appreciated them very much! I love you all!
Love,
Jay
12/30/05
Hello my sweet friends out there!
I would like to share with you an
experience I had in England a few months ago.
It was a beautiful day in September. I was
looking out the window, which had been opened slightly. The breeze was
warm, the sun was shining through the clouds, and the swan in the lake
across the road were swimming. I thought to myself, this is what heaven
must be like. I felt a longing to have my family with me. Oh, how I
missed them. I wanted them to see this so beautiful sight. I wished I
could hold each of them in my arms for just a moment. I was so
thankful that I could be at my brother Jimmy's house with his sweet
family. It took a lot of the sting away from missing my little family.
Just then, a wonderful feeling came over me, like I have never felt
before. It was as though someone was present in the room with me. Someone
very familiar to me. It was almost as if time went backwards for a moment,
and then forwards. It's difficult to describe this, but I heard my
mother's voice say to me, "Jay, now you know how I feel-I love you son."
I know it's hard to believe, but this
really happened to me. Those who know me, know that I'm not a
spiritualist, or even like to talk about strange things. But, this
was a wonderful blessing that got me through many lonely times while I was
there in England.
I'm now home again with my little family.
There is nothing like little arms (even though they're big) around your
neck. A feeling I know my mother is waiting for. I also know she is not up
there taking it easy eating grapes. She is bringing glad tidings to many
souls up there, and working hard to teach people the Gospel! She
was, and is, an inspiration to me. I have so much to thank her for.
Including my testimony of this wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I know many of you out there knew her.
Those of you who did, were surely blessed to be in her presence.
She loved you, and still does! She spent
countless hours writing and talking with many of you about your lives and
how you fit into God's great plan. For those who never had the chance to
meet her, just know that she loves you just as much! She is a tremendous
representative of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
May you all feel her love in your hearts
this coming year!
Sincerely, Jay
11/1/05
Well,
I’m back in the U.S.! I thoroughly enjoyed being in England and was
really humbled by the love you have for us. I also enjoyed the gifts,
and reading the sweet letters and cards given to me. I will never
forget the wonderful spirit you brought to the fireside at the Preston Stake
Center. I hope that those who are members of the church, will stay strong in
testimony, and help those who are looking for the truth, or needing
strength, to seek out the missionaries of the church! I love you all so
much, and look forward to next year! I am happy to be back home near
my family, and I'm excited about seeing those of you who can make it to the
Christmas shows in Branson.
~ Jay
3/25/05
Happy Easter Everyone!
We have so much to be thankful for!
Especially for our Savior Jesus Christ,
whom we recognize and celebrate this special weekend. Just knowing that He
lives and has made it possible, that we too can live again, should give us
great peace and joy in our hearts! This great gift of immortality is
offered to all, young and old, male and female, sinner and
saint. Sometimes it's hard to understand the immense love that the Savior
has for us? I remember when I was younger, talking with my father, about
this very subject. I said "I know that Christ is our redeemer, our Savior,
our Advocate with the Father. That He created this and other worlds. That
He is our Leader, our Master, and full of Grace and Truth! I know he
organized a church, to help us perfect our lives, and to help us to earn
Eternal Life. But, what I don't understand, is the kind of love that He
has for us?"
The kind of love that would
take our burdens and sins upon Him, and then suffer and die, and pay an
unbearable price, so we wouldn't have to?
All, if we would only repent and keep his
commandments?
My Father, looked me in the eye and said,"
I know, His love is hard to comprehend, but I have a glimpse of this kind
of love. (I will never forget this moment) He said " I know this kind of
love because I loved you first!" Then he said "Jay, I'd take a bullet for
you!" Right then, I began to understand a little of what the Savior
might feel for us!
We show our love to the Savior by and
through our obedience to his laws (which are there to bless us), and by
showing love to one another.
I hope this Easter we can remember to
ponder His resurrection, and the many blessings that we have been given.
Even the trials we face, can help us grow, overcome, and make us better
people, if we look to Him for help!
He is always there!
Sincerely,
3/11/05
Thank you to all those who have posted
those kind notes to me, and written those nice cards and letters
regarding my recovery. I was a little nervous, but I felt at peace that
everything would be ok. The Lord surely has blessed my life, and I know
this was the right thing to do! I am losing weight, and exercising
everyday now. My wife is making sure of that! Ha! But I am feeling
better and stronger each day. I feel the strength of your prayers, and
the lift from all the love and support of all you wonderful people!
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart
(or wherever part of my heart)!
3/5/05
Hello to all my friends out there:
I just wanted to thank everyone who wrote
to me, whether it be by letter, post card or e-mail. It gave me such
a good feeling in my heart to think, that after all those years, you would
have that kind of love for me, and to remember me on my birthday! It
was very, very touching. Thank you!
By the way, I had a heart operation, known
as a PFO. It's basically a hole or tunell in your heart that should have
closed after birth but didn't. So, after 50, and two mini strokes, I
thought I better do it! Ha!
I am planning to get back into shape and to
continue performing with my brothers for a few more years. I hope to see
and visit, and thank you all again soon!
Take care, and I will see you out there!
I love you all, Love, Jay
2/28/05
"Last night Jason celebrated
his Eagle award with friends and family. People from all over came to wish
him well and congratulate him for his tremendous efforts. We are all proud
of him and want him to know that he is a good example to his brothers
and other young men."
Jay
9/4/04
Hello to all of my
friends!
I just returned from England with my Marcus. It was great fun to see Jimmy
and his family. They are doing great. Jimmy is performing in the play
"Boogie Nights" where he actually plays himself. He's doing a great job! I
also got a chance to clean out the cobwebs, and perform "Crazy Horses." It
was fun, and reminded me of the good 'ol
days. It was great seeing many friends from the past, and making a few new
ones there at the theater.
I have been doing real estate for three months now, plus school on the
side. I have also been enjoying being home, watching over Kandilyn and the
boys, and helping out around the house. I'm not too good at domestic
things like fixing doors and other related objects, but I am learning. The
best thing is just being there for them.
I was going to be in Branson this November and December, but with all the
craziness that I have going on, I am going to have to pass this time. But,
I will be on the "Holiday Tour" starting December 10th. I apologize for
this change in plans.
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi to all of you out there, and let you know
that I love you all, and will continue to perform on and off for a few
more years.
Love, Jay
9/2/04
I just wanted to tell all of our friends
over in the UK that I appreciated your kind and memorable support towards
me and Jimmy. My son Marcus had a great time and thought you were all
nice. I hope we can work something out among the brothers to come
back and do a tour. Timing and scheduling seem to be problems in
getting us all together at the same time, but we are working on several
ideas. We hope can accommodate everyone, especially - you! You
have all been absolutely " brilliant" in making our quick stay a happy
memory, and a treasured one at that!
I love you all,
Jay
3/3/04
I wish there was a way to thank each
of you individually for the nice birthday wishes you left for me on my
birthday, it really makes me feel great. I can't believe I'm 49 years old!
Thank you for your loyalty to me and my family, I love you all!
Jay
12/28/03
I would like to thank all of you for
the support you have given the Osmond family for so many years. I
also would like to thank everyone for the cards, letters, messages, and
gifts you've sent to me; and appreciate your understanding of my taking a
hiatus to finish my degree with BYU during 2004. I'll still be
performing the road dates with Wayne and Merrill during 2004 while I
finish my degree, and look forward to seeing those who are able to make it
to the shows.
I hope all of you have a very blessed
2004,
Jay
7/14/03
Posted on the Osmond Brothers' Forum regarding
new CD "The Ultimate Collection" ~
It is neat to know that the
people who were with us 'then' are still with us now, and with more new
fans coming aboard! What a nice feeling it is to have your music well
reviewed - it brings back so many happy memories. We look forward to
getting back to the U.K.
and Europe.
Jay
5/23/03
I thought I would drop by to
say hello to all of you, and to tell you it has been so nice to work at
the Moon River Theatre, and chat after the shows with those who have been
with us for so many years. It is really a relaxed atmosphere, and we’re
having fun. In fact, this is probably the most fun we’ve had onstage. The
sound at this theater is so good, it makes it enjoyable to perform without
a lot of pressure. The band is having fun, and it is just a great time in
our career. My brothers and I look forward to seeing those of you who can
come to Branson. We finish here May 31st, but we’ll be back for the Fall
season starting September 5th, and we’re looking at putting some new
things into our Fall show.
Jay
2-9-03
It appears as though you’ve
all been having a lot of fun on our new forum! Before we get ready to set
sail on our next cruise, I thought I’d stop in to say hi, and tell you a
little story about what’s been going on in our house lately.
Our
boys have each been taking a new interest in music. Marcus is working very
hard on his piano lessons – and is really coming along. Eric is having a
great time with his guitar lessons. Jason, our oldest, has started a band
with his friends called Adrenalin. They are learning Crazy Horses, Utah
and Hold Her Tight – and of course Jason does my drum solo. He’s even
growing his hair to look like his dad in the 70s (but not as big of an
afro). HA! The group asked me if I could be their agent and get them
started. I am getting the biggest kick out of them. Jason has written a
song, and the group is thinking about putting it on tape – so you might be
hearing from him someday!
Don’t you find when our children try and
mirror us, it is a gratification that you wouldn’t trade for anything?
Jay
3/14/02
A Thank You From Jay
~
Thank you so very much for those birthday wishes! It really
makes me feel good to know that you care and send me these uplifting
thoughts. Over the years, I have kept most of the cards and letters from
my past birthdays in my storage. I have, from time to time, pulled them
out and reviewed them. My kids can't believe how many people I know! They
also can't believe that I'm forty seven! HA! They have a very positive
view of the fans/friends who have followed us over the years. Branson, has
been a good experience for them in getting to know some of you. They have
seen the kindness and devotion that you have, and are growing up with the
idea they are being watched too by their peers. And, how important it is
to try and be the best you can. We all have an impact on each other. YOU
have an impact on US too you know!
~Jay
Regarding the
requests for Jay to offer phone calls...
Jay has decided that
he wants to take an active part in responding to your questions regarding
the family. Since learning his way around the computer, and because he
likes to write, he prefers to communicate via his website over using the
telephone. So, if you would like to communicate with Jay, please be sure
to submit your questions to
terri@jayosmond.com. Through his website
segments "Jay's Perception" and "Ask Jay," Jay looks forward to continued
communication with all of you!
11/20/01
I wanted to thank everyone for all of the
messages sent to me regarding my mother. Your prayers are felt, and
appreciated so much.
~ Jay
10/7/01
When Jay looked at
the "Pets
Named After Osmonds" webpage, his
response was as follows...
Now
that's funny!
I once heard of a missionary who was in a home and trying
to be nice, he looked at the family pictures on the fireplace mantel. He
noticed a picture of a dog next to the family. The father said "Rover is
just like one of the family." The missionary said, "Oh really--which one?"
HA!
~ Jay
9/11/01
I can't believe anger can develop into such
horrific actions. I hope you'll join me with a prayer in your hearts for
those who are hurting, and for the many people who have lost loved ones
today.
~ Jay
7/11/01
To all those wonderful people who attended
the brothers "get together" in Tunica, I would like to say thank you for
making it a memorable and fun experience; for not only me, but Wayne and
Merrill as well! Everyone was genuine, and polite. The stories shared were
priceless. This will be fun to do again sometime in the near future.
Sincerely, Jay
5/31/01
JAY SIGNED HIS GUESTBOOK TODAY! HERE'S WHAT HE
WROTE...
Hello everyone-- I just wanted to let you know how
much I enjoy reading the comments you have. I am looking forward to this
summer, and hope to see some of you then!
Sincerely, Jay
3/5/01
I received a number of birthday greetings,
and I wanted all of those who have written to me to know how much I
appreciate the thoughtfulness. These birthday wishes made me feel very
good. It is hard to believe I am 46...it seems like just yesterday that I
was back in the 70s where I met many of you in person. By the way, I'm
still that young in my heart! HA! The movie that was just out about the
family made me recapture those memories. My only regret was that ABC did
not have the time to include all eight hours. There were a few scenes that
did not make the final cut, and a number of them showed how the fans
touched our lives...I wish that could have been shown. However, maybe
there is a part two or a book to come!
Thanks again...and I wish you
all the best,
Jay Osmond
From Jay's
Guestbook 6/23/00
I am continually amazed by, and interested
in, the stories I read in this guestbook. I really enjoy reading these
entries from friends who have followed us over the years, and who have
been loyal to our family and the principles we believe in. It is such a
joy to share these guestbook entries with my family. I wanted to thank
everyone for writing. These messages make memories that will be shared
among our family forever.
Thanks again, your friend, Jay
3/4/00
I would like to thank all those who sent me a
birthday greeting. It really meant a lot to me as well as my family. It
was neat (and cool as my son said) to know that people out there really
care, and have been following my career and life for many years. I am
honored to have met so many of you, and can honestly say, without any
reservation, that you have brought much happiness in my life.
Thanks again for your nice remarks.
Love, Jay
10/23/99
Referring to his chat on Osmond.com's Backstage
Saturday, October 16th, 1999, Jay said...
"I had fun, this was the
first time in a chat room for me ever!"
Above, Jay during his first online
chat!
Note: If you're a member of Backstage,
click here to see
more pictures and the chat log from Jay's chat!
5/13/99
I really appreciate the responses
to the question I asked, and I am so grateful and thankful to have such
supportive friends out there!
Jay
The Beat!
4/9/99
Several of Jay's fans
presented him with a green jacket embroidered with "The Beat" and a memory
book. Kandilyn was presented with an arrangement of pink roses and a picture
frame with a photo of Jay and Kandilyn in it. Jay and Kandilyn were very
generous with the time they gave The Beat, and they were very appreciative
of the gifts.
3/20/99
Jay wants everyone to know how much he and
his family enjoy the greetings and guestbook entries, and all the
interesting information on Osmond.com. He's also glad that "The Beat" is
now easier to access.
3/2/99
A message from Jay~
Jay would like to thank everyone who sent birthday wishes on the card and
through e-mail. He said it made his day! Jay says he feels greatly honored
and flattered that so many friends from the past have taken the time to
write messages...he says they will be treasured for many years...not only by
himself, but by his family!
12/5/98
Hi Everyone!
I'd like to thank you for your interest in having more information from me
on the web! I both appreciate and enjoy the messages you send to me via the
internet, and invite you to feel free to send your messages through my
guestbook or through
Terri Shoemaker.
Terri will be sure to get your messages to me on a regular basis. Thanks for
your interest, and we'll be working to keep you updated with things!
Take care,
Jay Osmond
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