God has had a special place in the lives of Donny and the rest of his family. They always say that “God comes first.” Donny often gets asked the question of how he had stayed successful in the harsh world of show business to which he always replies, “God first.” Well, what’s second then? Family of course. These things help keep him grounded.
He said that this formula is what has helped them through the years, despite what others might have thought. Of his critics, he has said, “You’re not naive growing up in this business. I grew up fast.”
Coming Out
Marie and her ex-husband, Brian Blosil, were married from 1986 until their 2007 divorce. During that time, they had two biological children and adopted five more. One of their adopted kids is daughter Jessica Blosil. When Marie was named Person of the Year by Diane Sawyer, she confessed that she cried when Jessica came out to her when she was 17 years old.
Having many gay friends, Marie knew the kind of judgment that the queer community gets from other people, which is why she cried. In her words “I didn’t want that for my child.” We get her, but luckily things are getting better each and every day.
Resisting Peer Pressure
Donny was always made fun of for being uncool growing up. Surprising, considering he grew up to be a world-famous pop star. He could get any girl he wanted and be a serious rock and roller but thought he was too young and that it would tarnish his pious Mormon beliefs. He didn't use any illegal substances and he swore to remain pure until he was married.
He has stated he is proud of himself for resisting the urges that come with his kind of fame and found himself giving advice to other upstart acts like Prince and Michael Jackson.
Finding Peace
Marie has seen her life go in ebbs and flows but she remains pretty balanced. Recently, it seems as if the lifetime star has found peace with all that has happened to her. In one interview, she said she really didn’t have a childhood or a conventional dating life or friends for that matter.
After all, it's not like she went through the regular route of school, college, and getting a job, which is how we make many of our connections in life. At the same time, she states that “I don’t know that anyone’s life is perfect.” That’s a fantastic outlook coming from someone with difficult life experiences.
MJ and Donny at 17
The limelight gave The Osmonds several famous friends, the most famous of which is quite possibly Michael Jackson. Donny was good friends with Jackson and fondly reflects on the time they spent together.
The best memory he has of him was after the American Music Awards when Donny was 17 and little Michael was just 16 years old. Donny asked Michael Jackson if he was hungry, and obviously, the two teenage boys were in the mood for food. The two took Donny’s limo to get tacos and ate them hanging out of the sunroof whilst driving down Sunset Boulevard. What a sweet memory!