Introduction:
In 1973, a rising country star set a chart record that’s remained unchallenged for 52 years.
Before she was one-half of the superstar duo of Donny & Marie, Marie Osmond was a fledgling country singer. She recorded her first song at the age of 13, “Paper Roses,” which would go on to become a number-one hit in November 1973.
Subsequently, Osmond would make history as the youngest country artist to ever hit the top spot of the genre’s charts. Remarkably, her record still stands today.
According to her official website, “Paper Roses” wasn’t only a hit on the country charts, but the adult contemporary charts as well. It also reached the top spot on the Canadian country charts.
In September 2022, Osmond honored the day her debut album was released and revealed even more details about her impressive achievement via Instagram. “On this day in 1973, my debut album ‘Paper Roses’ was released! This album reached #1 on the Billboard Country Chart and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100! I made history as the youngest female artist to have a debut album reach #1 on the charts!”
Osmond also holds the record as the youngest female co-host of a variety show, Donny & Marie. She was 16 when she co-hosted the series with her brother Donny Osmond, then 18, on ABC from 1976 through 1979.
Where is Marie Osmond now?
Several years ago, Marie Osmond stepped back from a career spanning 60 years to spend more time with her family. She is a mother to eight children and a grandmother many times over.
Osmond took a social media break as well. She posted regularly until 2024. She reemerged on Instagram after nine months to share her thoughts on her brother Wayne’s death in January 2025.
She wrote, “I’ve taken a break from social media for the past 9 months and will continue to do so as I have felt a need to unplug and spend time with family.”
Osmond said in a second Instagram post in April, “My experiences over the last year have truly been life-changing! Too much to write about here, and this is already too long. Maybe I’ll write another book! But seriously, the best parts have been being available 24/7 for my sweet little family. After all, isn’t that what this life is all about? Family!”
On November 19, Osmond was photographed as she attended a taping of Dancing With the Stars. She competed on the series in 2007, placing third.
Marie Osmond is married to Stephen Craig. They have homes in Nevada and Utah.