Introduction
Donny Osmond Reveals the Secret Romance That Almost Ended His Teenage Career
Donny Osmond, the American icon known for his angelic voice and heartthrob status in the 1970s, recently opened up about a deeply personal chapter in his life—his secret romance with Debbie, the woman who would eventually become his wife. In a candid interview on BBC Sounds’ Loose Ends, Donny revealed that his relationship with Debbie was kept hidden for years due to fears it could derail his wildly successful teen idol career.
At the height of his fame, Donny’s fanbase—mostly teenage girls—viewed him as their own. The revelation of his romance led to dramatic backlash, with fans organizing “Donny Osmond burning parties” where his albums were destroyed. Despite the risk to his career, Donny shared that he felt an overwhelming loneliness and needed something genuine in his life. “I was completely lonely around 19 years old,” he admitted. “I fell in love with this little girl named Debbie… and dated her for three and a half years secretly.”
Debbie, a cheerleader from Billings, Montana, was far removed from the entertainment industry. Donny described her as the steady presence he desperately needed. “My teenage career would have fallen anyway,” he reflected, “but thank goodness I had a woman by my side, my companion, my partner to get me through it.”
Their love story has stood the test of time. Married for over four decades, Donny and Debbie remain a picture of enduring devotion. Their romance began with an unforgettable first kiss in 1976, which Donny carefully planned with a limo ride, dinner at Sundance, and a heartfelt scavenger hunt. That night ended with a kiss—and the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Despite the odds, Donny Osmond chose love over fame, and in doing so, found both lasting happiness and true success.