Introduction:
Marie Osmond has never shied away from speaking her mind, whether on stage, on television, or in interviews. And in one of her most candid revelations, the 63-year-old entertainer admitted she has no plans to leave her $20 million fortune to her seven children—a decision rooted not in coldness, but in what she believes is love, discipline, and empowerment.
A Career Built on Hard Work
For more than six decades, Marie has been a fixture in American entertainment. Rising to fame as the only sister in the iconic Osmond family, she carved out her own path early on. At just 14, her single “Paper Roses” rocketed up the country charts, launching a career that would span music, television, Broadway, and a long-running Las Vegas residency with her brother Donny.
But Marie’s career has never been limited to performing. She has designed dolls, authored books, hosted talk shows, served as a Nutrisystem ambassador, and become a successful businesswoman in her own right. For her, ambition and work ethic have been constants—and she expects nothing less from her children.
“Why Would You Enable Your Child?”
In a recent interview, Marie explained her controversial stance:
“Honestly, why would you enable your child to not try to be something?” she said. “I don’t know anybody who becomes anything if they’re just handed money.”
Her seven children—Stephen (39), Jessica (35), Rachel (31), Brandon (26), Brianna (24), Matthew (23), and Abigail (18)—know this rule well. Marie has often said that her family motto is simple: if you start something, you finish it. “You don’t ever have to do it again, but you’ve got to finish,” she explained.
For her, inheritance can be a trap. “All an inheritance does is breed laziness and entitlement,” she added. “I worked hard, and I’m going to spend it all and have fun with my husband.”
A Philosophy That Surprised Many
Marie first made headlines with this declaration in 2020, when she revealed on The Talk that she would not be leaving her fortune to her children. At the time, she joked, “Congratulations, kids,” before sharing the deeper reasoning behind her choice.
“You do a great disservice to your children to just hand them a fortune,” she said. “You take away the one most important gift you can give your children—and that’s the ability to work.”
She pointed out that wealthy families often produce children who lack direction, which in turn can lead to trouble. “So I just let them be proud of what they make,” she concluded.
Leaving a Different Kind of Legacy
Instead of dividing her estate among her seven children, Marie plans to donate her wealth to her charities—a decision that underscores her lifelong passion for philanthropy. She has long been involved in children’s causes, humanitarian efforts, and organizations close to her faith and family values.
At the heart of her decision lies a desire to give her children something far more valuable than money: independence, resilience, and pride in their own accomplishments.
“Money doesn’t define you,” she said. “What defines you is who you become.”