Family matriarch Olive Osmond, 79, dies

[United Press International]

PROVO, Utah, May 10 (UPI) -- Olive Osmond, matriarch of one
of the biggest musical acts of the 1970s, has died at her Provo,
Utah, home. She was 79.
Osmond, who had suffered for the past 5 1/2 years from
numerous strokes, died Sunday surrounded by family, Salt Lake City's
Deseret News reported Monday.
"They've been anticipating this, but nothing prepares you
for the time, or (for) it to come on Mother's Day," family spokesman
Ron Clark told the newspaper.
Osmond and her husband, George, were parents to nine
children, with seven of them becoming successful performers.
The Osmonds Brothers garnered dozens of platinum and gold
albums during the 1970s as one of music's biggest acts. Donny Osmond
left his brothers for a successful solo career, as well as joining
sister Marie for a TV variety show that lasted four seasons. The
youngest, Jimmy, also performed.
Osmond is survived by her husband, nine children, 55
grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.