DONNY, MARIE & BACKUP BARBIE FEATURING MRS. COY MUSES

by Coy's Kitchen

Donny and Marie Osmond, the brother and sister duo, was my absolute favorite TV variety show from January 1976 to May 1979. I was 6 years old when their variety show began with a combination of music and comedy. It was the highlight of my week, every Friday night at 7 pm.

“I’m a little bit country’ and I'm a little bit rock and roll” ringing through our house.

When the Mattel dolls began to sell on the market, I was an absolute pest with my parents that I must have the dolls immediately. My parents finally relented and bought a pair for me. I was so excited and every half hour, I would create a variety show, featuring Donny, Marie, Backup Barbie and of course, ME. I drove my parents absolutely insane.

Then, unfortunately for my parents, I heard that Donny and Marie were going to be at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo the week of February 19-24, 1979 taping their Osmond family hour. Once I learned I could actually see them in real life, I began my new campaign with my parents that I must go. I begged and pleaded with my parents. My Donny and Marie dolls,along with the help of Back up Barbie, also pleaded with my parents. The campaign was a win. My parents bought us tickets to go to the Houston Livestock Show to see Donny and Marie Osmond.

My Mom bought me a pink pantsuit with a white ruffled shirt for my special day to meet Donny and Marie. I argued with my Mom as I wanted to wear a dress like Marie, in pink and purple with sparkles. Mom and the pink pantsuit won at the end, even over my persistent whining telling my mom I was going to look more like Donny and less like Marie. On the day of the event, in my pink pantsuit, I am fidgety sitting in the Houston Livestock Arena. The dirt and smell of animals, nor the fact that I looked like a blond, long haired Donny did not dampen my spirit. Then, there they were, Donny and Marie Osmond. They were in a car driving around and around the arena “look kids, Big Bend” kind of moment. As they got near me and I was confident they saw me, I waved and they waved back. It was spectacular. My Donny and Marie moment. I was their “Soldier of Love” for the pair. The “Nutrisystem” of innocence that will be forever etched in my mind. .

As I grew older and at the age of 22, I was in Chicago. As I was walking through the streets, I saw a billboard. A billboard featuring Donny Osmond and the Coat of Many Colors. I almost bought tickets to the show. Then I realized, I didn’t have my Marie doll and Back-up Singer Barbie to complete the team. As I pondered that moment, I continued walking with my headphones singing in my ears. With a little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll, I continued my quest for the best beef sandwich in Chicago. .