Buckinghamshire, UK – July 24, 2025 – Sharon Osbourne, the television personality and music manager, has spoken out for the first time since the death of her husband, legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. The rock icon, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” died at the couple’s Grade II listed mansion in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by family, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2003 and made public in 2020.
In a heartfelt response to tributes pouring in from fans and celebrities, Sharon Osbourne commented on social media, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. One of her first public comments was in response to a tribute by Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, who shared a photo with Ozzy on Instagram, writing, “RIP OZZY – a great man – a true legend… Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power.” Sharon replied simply, “Bless you,” a message that resonated with fans, receiving over a thousand likes. She also responded to BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders, who became emotional while announcing Ozzy’s death on air, commenting, “Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, bless you.”
The Osbourne family announced Ozzy’s passing in a joint statement released on Tuesday, signed by Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Louis, stating, “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. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” The statement did not specify a cause of death, though Ozzy’s health had deteriorated in recent years due to Parkinson’s, a 2019 fall that aggravated a spinal injury, and subsequent complications, including respiratory infections and mobility issues requiring a wheelchair.
Ozzy’s death came just weeks after his final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” charity concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, where he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time in 20 years. The concert, which raised $190 million for charities including Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s, was described by Sharon as the “only place” for Black Sabbath’s farewell, given Ozzy’s roots in Aston, Birmingham. Performing from a bat-adorned throne due to his mobility issues, Ozzy told the 42,000 fans in attendance, “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Sharon had orchestrated the event to fulfill Ozzy’s wish to return to the UK and perform one last time in his hometown, a decision that allowed him to bid an emotional farewell to his fans.
Tributes from the music industry flooded in, reflecting Ozzy’s monumental impact as a pioneer of heavy metal. Black Sabbath posted “Ozzy Forever” on social media, while co-founder Tony Iommi wrote, “My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away… there won’t ever be another like him.” Drummer Bill Ward and bassist Geezer Butler also shared emotional messages, with Butler noting, “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.” Other notable figures, including Elton John, who called Ozzy “a true legend” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” and Metallica, who posted a broken heart emoji alongside a photo with Ozzy, joined in honoring his legacy.
Sharon, who married Ozzy in 1982 after meeting him in 1970 through her father, Black Sabbath’s manager Don Arden, was instrumental in reviving his career after his 1979 dismissal from the band due to substance abuse issues. As his manager, she guided his successful solo career, which produced hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears,” and founded the Ozzfest music festival in 1996. The couple, along with their children Kelly and Jack, gained widespread fame through their reality TV show The Osbournes (2002–2005), which showcased their chaotic yet loving family dynamic.Concerns for Sharon’s well-being have emerged following Ozzy’s death, with friends describing her as “very, very fragile” and “terrified” about how she will cope. An insider told MailOnline that Sharon, who had been by Ozzy’s side through decades of personal and health struggles, including a 1989 incident where he was arrested for attempting to strangle her while intoxicated, may opt for a private burial in the gardens of their estate rather than a large public funeral. “The heartbreak is immense,” the source added, noting that Sharon had moved Ozzy back to the UK from Los Angeles to ensure he spent his final days in familiar surroundings.The resurfacing of past comments by Sharon and Ozzy about assisted suicide has also sparked discussion. In her 2007 memoir and subsequent interviews, Sharon revealed that the couple had a pact to travel to Switzerland for euthanasia if either faced a debilitating illness like Alzheimer’s. During a 2023 episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Sharon reiterated her stance, saying, “Mental suffering is enough pain without physical. So if you’ve got mental and physical, see ya.” However, their daughter Kelly dismissed these claims as exaggerated, stating on July 11, 2025, “My dad’s not dying… Stop making articles or posts about how you think my parents are having a suicide pact.” No official reports have confirmed whether assisted suicide played a role in Ozzy’s death.Ozzy Osbourne is survived by Sharon, their three children—Aimee (41), Kelly (40), and Jack (39)—and three children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley: Jessica, Louis, and adopted son Elliot. As the music world mourns the loss of a heavy metal icon, Sharon’s brief but poignant responses reflect the deep grief of a woman who described Ozzy as her “soulmate” on their 40th wedding anniversary in 2022, writing, “Always at each other’s side. I love you Ozzy.”The Osbourne family continues to request privacy as they navigate this profound loss, while fans and peers celebrate Ozzy’s enduring legacy as a musical pioneer and beloved figure in rock history.
