Marie Osmond Talks to Oprah Winfrey About Son's Suicide as Reports of Abusive Ex- Husband Surface

America's sweetheart, Marie Osmond appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show November 11th to speak about her son, 18 year Michael Bryan's suicide in February this year, and explain her reasons for returning to her Las Vegas show so soon after his death.

Marie Osmond, the only daughter in a family of nine children, was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her eight brothers had a successful career performing and singing on national television. Marie debuted as part of her brothers' act on the Andy WilliamsShow when she was three. Since then Marie and her bothers have been one of America's favorite show business families.

Marie 's career has evolved throughout the years; from appearing as a teenager with brother Donny on the Donny and Marie Show, to a solo career acting and singing; a talk show host, a doll designer, competing on Dancing with the Stars, spokesperson for Nutrisystem, and a Las Vegas entertainer with her brother.

Like many child stars Marie's personal life has been difficult although she has tried to present a happy impression in public. A brief early marriage ended in divorce after the birth of a son. She married Brian Blosil, had two more children with him and adopted five more...a total of eight children. Son Michael was adopted.

During their 20 year marriage, while keeping her sunny disposition, Marie admitted to post partum depression, problems with her weight and marriage, and a son dealing with depression and substance abuse. A daughter has recently come out as a lesbian. Marie's fainting episode on DWTS added to concerns about her health and weight loss. She seemed to be overworked and worn out trying to be the financial support of her large family, never being able to relax. During the last few years both her parents died.

Her 18 year old, adopted son Michael had dealt with depression and substance abuse for years. He seemed to be doing well when he suddenly leaped to his death from an 8^th floor apartment in February this year. He left a suicide note saying he loved his family.

He had talked to Marie earlier saying he was depressed. She told him she would see him on Monday. Unfortunately he killed himself the Friday before. Marie now sadly says "depression can't wait till Monday."

Marie had recently divorced 2^nd husband Brian Blosil and son Michael had legally changed his last name Blosil to Bryan. Now the tabloids are saying Brian Blosil physically abused Marie and sexually abused one of their children. Osmond denied the abuse and police closed the case. She also said in an interview that the end of her marriage was "complicated" and "God does not expect us to sit in something that is destructive."

A fragile looking Marie appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show saying that this woud be the only time she intended to speak publicly of Michael's death. She told how wonderfully talented and loving he was and shared a scrapbook he had made describing his happy life with Marie and his siblings.

Although seemingly content, Michael began using drugs at age 12 and had periods of depression for which he was treated. He seemed to be doing well and had been accepted at a fine arts college where he planned to study fashion design when he jumped to his death.

Marie with the help of her daughters, prepared Michael's body for his funeral. None of the chidren wanted their father Blosil at the service. Video of Michael's funeral showed loving tributes from all his sisters and brothers, whose ages now range from 8-27. Marie is clearly shattered from her loss and cautioned parents to savor every moment they have with their children. She believes children do not realize that life's problems will get better with time and give up too soon.

She said she went back to work within weeks of her son's death, because the stage is her "safe place." She knew if she did not get back on stage soon, she might never go back.

She finished the interview by singing a beautiful somber hymn, Pie Jesu from her new album I Can Do This. All proceeds from the album will go to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Marie's favorite charity.

Sources:

Oprah Winfrey Show

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