Marie Osmond has asked for people to respect her family's privacy after her 16-year-old son was checked into a rehabilitation centre.

The Dancing With the Stars contestant, who has eight children, has not revealed the reason for her son's trip to rehab.

In a statement Osmond said: "My son, Michael, is an amazing young man, shown through his courage in facing his issues. As his mother I couldn't be more proud of him.

"The press and public have always been kind and gracious in the past and I know they will continue to respect our privacy during this time."

The singer missed last week's episode of the dancing contest due to her father George Osmond dying at the age of 90 at his home in Utah.

Osmond survived this week's vote and remains as a competitor on the reality TV programme.