Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has passed away at the age of 76 in the comfort of his Buckinghamshire mansion, surrounded by his beloved wife Sharon and their children.
Though his death on Tuesday came earlier than many expected, friends of the family say it happened just the way Ozzy would have wanted — with his loved ones by his side.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the family announced in a heartfelt statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Despite battling Parkinson’s disease for years, Ozzy had recently performed what would become his final concert at Villa Park on July 5 — just over two weeks before his passing. His children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee were present in his last days, having travelled from the U.S. to be close to him.
Sharon, his wife of over four decades, had spent the past two years meticulously preparing their Grade II-listed home in Buckinghamshire for his final chapter. The estate had been upgraded with a “rehab wing,” spa, and art studio designed specifically for Ozzy’s health needs.
“There was a lot of hope that he’d be with us longer,” a close friend shared. “But it’s beautiful that his children were there when it mattered most.”
Sir Elton John led tributes, calling Ozzy a “huge trailblazer” and “a true legend” who had earned his place “in the pantheon of rock gods.” Rod Stewart added, “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.”
Metallica and Ronnie Wood also honoured the rocker, recalling his epic farewell performance in Birmingham.
Despite mobility struggles and health fears, Ozzy managed to reunite with his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005, giving fans a last emotional moment.
In his final words to the crowd, Ozzy said: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
He leaves behind not only a lasting musical legacy but also his grandchildren Sidney, Pearl Clementine, Andy Rose, Minnie Theodora, and Maple Artemis, who will grow up knowing their grandfather was a true icon.
