Donny Osmond Reminisces about Michael Jackson

Donny Osmond has known Michael Jackson since they were both 13 years old and performed at the American Music Awards. Now he reminisces with our Lara Spencer about MJ's life and what he thinks led to the King of Pop's death.

"I think he had so much pressure in his life to obtain the success of Thriller; it was impossible, and that is what broke him," Donny says.

Donny and Michael were working on an exclusive story for "The Insider" for Michael's upcoming concert dates in London, and it wasn't the first time the two former teen idols had planned to collaborate.

"We were planning on doing something together, a few years ago, before the trial," Donny recalls. "We were going to do a song together [Stevie Wonder's "I Wish"]. Then he called me and said, 'The trial is coming up, it is ugly, I have to back out.'"

Donny also tells Lara that he never saw Michael take drugs, but he doesn't discount that possibility, admitting there was a time in his life when he, too, was taking prescription meds.

"I will be honest with you," Donny tells Lara. "In my stage-fright era in the '90s, I had to take prescription drugs just to get through life -- and it is something you deny. If somebody asks you, you say, 'No, no. no. I am not doing that.' Michael went through the same thing. He probably wouldn't admit it. I never saw it. It is sad that people in show business get caught up in that whole drug problem."

Donny has yet to speak to any of the Jackson family, but he says: "I feel sorry for the entire family, but mostly the kids."

Published 6/26/09 by the Insider

Comments (59)

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  • I remember hearing the Osmonds and the Jackson 5, and thinking how cool it would be to hear Donny and MJ sing a song together. Too bad. Donny, I know you already do this, but Thank God you have the suppotive family and love you have. He had so much turmoil in his life.
    Anonymous 11/10/09 Reply
  • If only Michael had had what Donny did, strong parents, and a wife and family outside of show biz - thats lasted over 30 years.
    Anonymous 10/1/09 Reply
  • Thanks Donny Osmond for been Michael Jackson friend and trying so honest in helping him. I would of done the same no fan fare.
    Anonymous 7/18/09 Reply
  • I have always wondered why Donny and Michael never performed together on stage since they
    knew each other for so many years. The Osmonds and The Jackson 5 all became popular at the same time. Too bad that we will never get to see them sing together. Rest In Peace Michael!!
    Anonymous 7/11/09 Reply
  • Crying to see it all. He was so smart, would NEVER do any wrong, he knew the difference between right and wrong - he was just different, but he wanted to stand out among everyone, and he did. He had so much to handle, and I respected him for everything he had to deal with - strong on the outside - he had to be. No one like him in the past or future, ever.
    Anonymous 7/8/09 Reply
  • I was in so many tears, I knew it was not just the sadness of MJ's death or the moving words and songs of family and friends.

    It reminded me of losing my dad and brother.
    Anonymous 7/7/09 Reply
  • Thank you Donny for sharing that personal story about Michael Jackson & yourself. Thanx for being so open.
    Anonymous 7/4/09 Reply
  • If you want us to watch insider anymore, fire that evil person Diane Diamond. She sure has a lot to do with the king of pop's death.
    Anonymous 7/1/09 Reply
  • If you want us to watch insider anymore, fire that evil person Diane Diamond. She sure has a lot to do with the king of pop's.
    Anonymous 7/1/09 Reply
  • His fans were there till the end.
    Like Donny said if a loved one or someone you care about is addicted to perscription drugs you can confront them all you want. They say No no no. It is not until you play real hardball with them that they might have a chance. Thank god Donny had enough love, push and determination not to become a statistic. Michael will be sadly missed, as are the other musical stars lost to unfortunate fame circumstances.
    Anonymous 6/30/09 Reply
  • Donny I am as sad as you are. I saw you both in concert so many years ago. To have you both work together on something would have been amazing. I wish you great success and am glad that we still have you to love.
    Maybe you could do a tribute kind of thing to him with Adam Lambert from American Idol. I know you have it in you to write Adam a great song. Love to you and your family
    Karen
    (dang laptops
    Anonymous 6/30/09 Reply
  • Donny I am as sad as you are. I saw you both in concert so many years ago. To have you both work together on something would have been amazing. I wish you great success and am glad that we still have you to love.
    Maybe you could do a tribute kind of thing to him with Adam Lambert from American Idol. I know you have it in you to right Adam a great song. Love to you and your family
    Kaen
    Anonymous 6/30/09 Reply
  • Leave it to Donny to say it so eloquently.
    Anonymous 6/30/09 Reply
  • I wish Donny and MJ could have done that song. That would have been awesome! I remember well the fun it was "growing up" with the Osmonds and Jackson 5. It was a special era of music and entertainment that will never be repeated. Thank you to ALL of them for sharing their gifts with the world. My sympathies to those who are now left.
    Anonymous 6/29/09 Reply
  • Donny and micheal J grew up together and were music icons in the 70's and on I think donny has made a point and I am sorry that he did not get to do the song with mj. this has to be difficult for him to lose a friend. I feel for the family and more so for micheal's 3 children. I hope and pray that they do not drag this in the mud like they did with anna nicole smith when she died and when princess diana died I think that would be ashame and very sad for the kids. they need to have time for them self during this very difficult time.
    Anonymous 6/29/09 Reply
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