Marie Osmond, a mother of eight, shares her children with just two partners. The first of her children was born during her marriage to her initial husband, Steve Craig, whom she wed in June 1982. The couple welcomed their son, Steve Jr., in April 1983. However, their marriage ended shortly after, leading to a separation by late 1984 and a divorce filing in 1985.
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Shortly after her divorce, Osmond found love again with Brian Blosil, a record producer. They married in October 1986, a year after meeting. Together, they expanded their family, starting with the birth of their daughter, Rachael, in August 1989. Following close behind, they adopted Jessica, who was nearly two years old. The couple continued to grow their family through adoption, welcoming Michael and later Brandon, born in November 1996, and Brianna in 1997.
In 1999, the couple celebrated the arrival of their third biological child, Matthew. Three years later, they adopted Abigail, completing their family circle. However, after two decades of marriage, Osmond and Blosil parted ways in 2007, emphasizing that no blame was assigned for their separation, as reported by Today. Following the divorce, Osmond rekindled her romance with her first husband, Craig, and they remarried in 2011, proving that destiny often finds its way.
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In 1999, Osmond gave birth to Matthew, welcoming her third biological child. In 2002, Osmond and Blosil adopted Abigail and completed their family. However, when their youngest was five in 2007, Osmond and Blosil ended their 20-year marriage. “Neither of us is assigning fault for the divorce,” they said (via Today). After their split, Osmond reconnected with Craig and joined the list of celebrities who married the same person twice, tying the knot again in 2011. It looks like what is meant to be really always finds a way.Â
For Osmond, each child was destined to be a part of her life. She once remarked that some of her adopted children resemble her personality more than her biological ones, affirming her belief in a higher purpose for their union. Despite the joy, motherhood came with its own challenges. In 2010, tragedy struck when her 19-year-old son Michael took his own life after enduring a prolonged battle with addiction and depression. Reflecting on this loss, Osmond shared with People in 2019 her steadfast faith that she will reunite with him one day.
Inside Marie Osmond’s motherhood journey
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Even before the heartache of losing Michael, motherhood had significantly affected Osmond’s mental well-being. After giving birth to her last biological child in 1999, she suffered from severe postpartum depression, leading her to temporarily leave her family in search of clarity. She recounted this difficult period to TV Guide, as reported by the New York Post, sharing that she left without a plan and was uncertain of her path. Fortunately, with the right support, she found her way back.
In her eyes, they were all meant to be hers. “Some of them are more like me than my biological and I’m like, ‘I know why God sent you to me!’” she continued. But motherhood was no walk in the park. Childbearing and childrearing caused her pain like she had never experienced before. In 2010, Osmond’s 19-year-old son Michael died by suicide after a years-long struggle with addiction and depression. “I have great faith, and I know I will see him again,” she told People in 2019.
Years before the tragic death of Osmond’s son, motherhood had already had profound impacts on her mental health. After giving birth to her last biological child in 1999, she developed postpartum depression so severe that she left her family. “I just left, never thinking I’d come back, not really knowing where I was going or what I was doing,” she told TV Guide in 1999 (via the New York Post). Thankfully, she got the help she needed.Â
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts or needs help with mental health, please contact the relevant resources below: