The world just lost a true icon. News broke on Tuesday, July 22, that the legendary Ozzy Osbourne had passed away at 76 years old. It was a sad moment for music fans everywhere, marking the end of an era.
His family shared a statement with Metro, asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. “With a sadness words cannot express, we must inform that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning,” the statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this moment.” Ozzy leaves behind his wife Sharon Osbourne, their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee Osbourne, plus Elliot, Louis, and Jessica from his previous marriage to Thelma Riley. The cause of his death has not yet been shared with the public.
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy took the stage one last time. He reunited with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, on July 5. This performance was meant to be his official retirement from touring. It also served a higher purpose, raising money for charities like Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Ozzy himself had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020. Speaking to The Guardian in a May profile, Ozzy revealed the struggles he faced daily. He mentioned waking up to new problems, feeling like they would never end. His wife, Sharon, had a thoughtful reason for organizing that farewell concert. Ozzy shared that she wanted to “give me a reason to get up in the morning.”
After that moving concert, his daughter Kelly Osbourne took to social media. She shared her deep gratitude for what she called a moment of closure. In a video posted to Instagram Stories, Kelly thanked everyone who came and participated in the show. “You have no idea what it meant to my dad,” she said. “It was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life, and if I keep talking, I’ll probably end up crying again. So that’s all I’ll say for now. Thank you.”
Interestingly, just days after her heartfelt message, Kelly found herself back on social media for a different reason. She had to shut down rumors claiming her father was near death. Kelly posted a screenshot of a social media user’s critical comment about her understanding of her dad’s condition. Her reaction was clear: “This is the s**t I wake up to,” she wrote, adding, “What is wrong with people?”
In a poignant turn, Ozzy had another special project in the works before he died. Hachette Book Group announced on July 10 that his memoir, titled ‘Last Rites,’ would be published. The book’s summary promised a deep look into his legendary career with Black Sabbath. It also touched on his life with Sharon and his many health battles. In a press release at the time, Ozzy shared his unique outlook on life. He famously said, “People tell me: If you could do it all over again, knowing what you know now, would you change anything?” He quickly answered, “No way.” Ozzy added that being clean or normal wouldn’t make him "Ozzy." He reflected on his journey, saying, “Look, if this ends tomorrow, I can’t complain. I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve done good stuff… and bad stuff. But right now, I’m not ready to go anywhere.” His memoir, ‘Last Rites,’ is set to be released on October 7, 2025. It will serve as a lasting testament to a life lived fully, on his own terms.