Osmond rites security tight

PROVO — Security will be tight Saturday at the funeral of Olive Osmond after family members were alerted to rumors that paparazzi have been offered a $30,000 bounty for the first photo of the Osmond matriarch in her coffin.

The offer, coupled with an international outpouring of affection for Osmond since she died on Mother's Day, signals the staying power of the Osmond family entertainment empire, which includes singer and television game show host Donny Osmond and radio talk show host and singer Marie Osmond.

Family spokesman Ron Clark said although Olive Osmond was not so much a celebrity herself, adoring fans around the world have flooded www.oliveosmond.com and other Osmond family Web sites with thousands of messages of condolence for her husband of 60 years, George V. Osmond and the couple's nine children, 55 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday in the Provo Utah Oak Hills Stake Center, 1521 N. 1550 East.

"We looked for the biggest one we could find," Clark said of the stake center, a meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which the family are members. "We anticipate upwards of 2,000 people, and unfortunately the chapels around here are not great big ones. We found a beautiful building, but the family will probably take up most of the seating capacity."

The Osmond grandchildren and immediate family members will sing at the funeral. Interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Provo.

The family wants a traditional LDS funeral, Clark said, led by Kevin C. King, bishop of George and Olive Osmond's LDS ward. Elder Thomas S. Monson of the LDS Church's First Presidency will attend and preside on behalf of LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley.

The Osmond family is determined to have a dignified funeral for their mother, said Clark, referring to the security measures. Clark said he was told of the photo rumor by one of the family members.

"President Monson's coming, so that is another security consideration for us," Clark said. "As well as the safety of all those in attendance."

Clark said the viewing has been restricted to close friends and family.

On Saturday, reporters and photographers will be restricted to certain outside areas surrounding the building and not allowed inside for photographs.

Various celebrities are flying in for the service, but Clark said he is not free to release specifics.

Clark said the Osmonds are relying on the local media and residents to respect their mother's right to be laid to rest with dignity.

Marie Osmond will read a family statement outside the church prior to the funeral Saturday morning. No other family member wishes to talk, Clark said.