Donny Osmond paid a heartfelt tribute to close friend Marty Krofft, who died of kidney failure last week. Marty and his brother, Sid Krofft, created The Donny And Marie Show featuring Donny and his sister in the mid-70s. Both men remained friends after the show ended in 1979.
Donny shared a photo of himself, Marie, and Marty with the caption, “I am so saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Marty Krofft.” He reminisced on their work together on screen and sent his “best wishes” to Marty’s bereaved family. “As Marie and I sang at the end of every show, ‘May God keep you in his tender care, till he brings us together again’,” he wrote.
Donny expresses gratitude to Marty
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Donny credited Marty and his brother for putting him in the spotlight through the three-year show. “Together, they put my sister and me on the map, and both of us will be forever grateful for their vision and creativity. Marty Krofft’s television legacy is incredible,” he continued. “His fingerprint is on generations of entertainment, and the impact he’s had in connecting people around the world is an astonishing legacy he leaves behind.”
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Besides The Donny And Marie Show, the Krofft brothers birthed other shows like HR Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, which earned them recognitions, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.
Fans react to Donny’s tribute
After Donny shared his post to X, formerly Twitter, users flocked to the comments section to show their support for the former teen idol. “I’m a big fan of their work. Especially bringing you and Marie together for one of my favorite programs. God bless and thank you Marty! May you rest in peace,” someone wrote. “Sorry to hear that Donny,” another added.
More fans assured Donny of support as he grieves the loss of his longtime friend. “Please be happy again. I love you still. Kisses from Belgium,” a comment read. Marty’s brother also took to Instagram to share throwback photos from their childhood to more recent years, writing, “I’m heartbroken over the loss of my baby brother. I really know that all of you meant the world to him. It’s YOU that made this all happen. Thank you for being there with us all these years. Love, Sid.”