Introduction:
It’s been nearly half a century since Donny Osmond, one of America’s most beloved entertainers, slipped into a bright purple superhero costume for Halloween — and, unknowingly, set the stage for one of the most meaningful moments of his life.
Recently, the now 67-year-old singer took fans on a sweet trip down memory lane, sharing a pair of throwback photos from that unforgettable Halloween night in 1977. In the snaps, a young Donny is barely recognizable as Captain Purple — a character inspired by his own Donny & Marie TV show. Sporting a shiny purple suit, cape, and curly wig, he struck a heroic pose beside his date, Debbie Glenn, who was all smiles in a large, inflatable pumpkin costume.
“This was Debbie and me on Halloween night back in 1977,” Donny wrote on X (formerly Twitter), where he has over 209,000 followers. “I proposed not long after that crazy trick-or-treat evening. I don’t know how she agreed to marry me after she saw me wearing my Captain Purple outfit. What was I thinking? Oh well — I guess it worked!”
The post quickly went viral among his loyal fans, who flooded the comments section with affection and laughter. One follower wrote, “And which woman wouldn’t say yes to you? Millions would have said yes — me included! Perfect couple.” Another added playfully, “Most women love a man in uniform — even if it’s purple!”
In a follow-up message, Donny couldn’t resist poking fun at his younger self again: “Note to all you guys out there — if you want to attract the perfect woman, wear a Captain Purple outfit for Halloween.”
From Trick-or-Treat to True Love
As amusing as the memory is, it also marks a turning point in Donny Osmond’s life. Not long after that Halloween night, he got down on one knee and asked Debbie to marry him — and she said yes. The two tied the knot in 1978, beginning a love story that has endured for nearly 47 years.
Together, Donny and Debbie have raised five sons — Don, Jeremy, Brandon, Christopher, and Joshua — and have since become proud grandparents to 12 grandchildren. “She’s my rock,” Donny often says of Debbie. “We’ve been through everything together, and she’s still the one who makes me laugh.”
Their marriage has survived the wild ride of fame, family, and faith — from the early days of The Osmonds to Donny’s chart-topping solo hits, to his return to stardom with The Donny & Marie Show alongside his sister, and later, his celebrated 11-year Las Vegas residency at the Flamingo.
Still the Boy Next Door — With a Lifetime of Memories
Even after six decades in show business, Donny hasn’t lost his sense of humor or humility. Whether he’s recalling a hilarious Halloween from 1977 or dazzling audiences in Las Vegas, his charm remains as genuine as ever.
“Looking back at those old photos makes me realize how lucky I am,” he reflected. “Not just in my career, but in life. Debbie and I have shared a journey that’s been fun, challenging, and full of love — even when I was dressed as Captain Purple.”