Sibling duo Donny and Marie Osmond appeared on Good Morning America Thursday (March 21) to make an announcement that many saw coming, but that fans will find heartbreaking nonetheless.
“It’s been rumored that we’re bringing ‘Donny and Marie’ to an end here in Las Vegas. We’re here to say it’s official,” Donny Osmond told Good Morning America.
Donny and Marie started their show in 2008 at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. What was supposed to be a six week run turned into an 11-year streak that became one of the most popular and longest running residencies by a singing act in Vegas history.
For more than 40 years, Donny and Marie have shared the stage. It all started in the 1960’s when Donny was only 5-years-old when he made his first publicly televised solo performance on The Andy Williams Show. Osmond, whose older brothers were regulars on the show, made occasional special appearances along with his little sister, Marie.
Donny embarked on a solo career in the ’70s, cementing his place in history as a teen heartthrob with songs like “Puppy Love” and “Go Away Little Girl.”
Marie Osmond gained fame as a country artist in the ’70s and ’80s. Her remake of the country/pop ballad “Paper Roses,” originally recorded by Loretta Lynn, became Marie’s first country hit. After releasing four country album, Marie teamed up with her brother Donny for two duets that saw success on the pop charts. Nearly a decade later, Marie saw success as a country artist once again when she teamed with Dan Seals for the chart-topping hit “Meet Me In Montana.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMHQgcBaNYc
Unlike few people have done in the entertainment industry, Donny and Marie Osmond not only found success as musicians, but also as television and stage personalities. The brother and sister have hosted a popular variety show, starred in separate Broadway productions, starred in movies, and even competed in televised competitions such as Dancing With the Stars (Donny was crowned champ during the show’s 9th season in 2009).
But, it is perhaps the sibling duo’s Las Vegas residency that brought their fans the most joy. The 90-minute show features the pair performing together with solo performances of their individual hits in-between. Their intimate interaction with the audience and fan meet-and-greets are the highlight of the Donny & Marie Show, leaving fans with incredible photo opportunities and cherished memories.
Fans took to social media to share their love for the duo and express their disappointment after Donny and Marie’s announcement Thursday morning.
While no specific reason was given for the end of the Las Vegas residency, the pair made it clear that this is the end of the Donny and Marie Show, but not the end of Donny and Marie. Both will be pursing other career goals: Marie has some film roles in the works while Donny is working on a new album.
Donny and Marie Osmond will be greatly missed in Las Vegas, but we wish them the very best and look forward to what the future holds for the iconic siblings.
Watch Donny and Marie’s full announcement on Good Morning America in the video below.