The tumultuous yet enduring love story of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman, and Sharon Osbourne, his steadfast manager and wife, has captivated fans for over four decades. Spanning from their first meeting in 1970 to Ozzy’s passing on July 22, 2025, their relationship weathered addiction, infidelity, and violence, yet remained anchored by an undeniable bond. Here’s a timeline of their remarkable journey, as reported by various sources.
1970: A Fateful First Meeting
Ozzy Osbourne, then 22 and the lead singer of Black Sabbath, met 18-year-old Sharon Levy (later Arden) when her father, Don Arden, was managing the band. Sparks didn’t fly immediately—Sharon later recalled being “nervous” around Ozzy and his bandmates, describing him as the “funniest, sweetest guy” whose humor eventually won her over. At the time, Ozzy was preparing to marry his first wife, Thelma Riley, with whom he would have three children: Jessica (b. 1972), Louis (b. 1975), and adopted son Elliot.
1979: From Professional to Romantic
The relationship turned romantic in 1979 after Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath due to his substance abuse issues. Sharon stepped in as his manager, helping him launch a solo career with hits like “Crazy Train.” Their professional partnership soon blossomed into love, though Ozzy was still married to Thelma. Reports suggest Sharon was among the women Ozzy was involved with during his first marriage, which he later described as a “terrible mistake” that put Thelma through “hell.”
1982: Tying the Knot in Hawaii
Following Ozzy’s divorce from Thelma, he and Sharon married on July 4, 1982, in a Hawaiian ceremony. Sharon wore an intricate lace gown, while Ozzy sported a white suit with a bowtie. The couple, starting with “nothing” financially, embarked on a new chapter together. Their union would soon welcome three children: Aimee (b. 1983), Kelly (b. 1984), and Jack (b. 1985).
1989: A Dark Moment
The couple’s marriage faced a near-fatal crisis in August 1989 when Ozzy, heavily intoxicated after the Moscow Music Peace Festival, attempted to strangle Sharon. She recalled his chilling words, “We’ve come to a decision that you’ve got to die,” as he attacked her. Sharon activated a panic button, leading to Ozzy’s arrest for attempted murder. He spent six months in medical detention, and Sharon chose not to press charges, later citing her regained faith in their relationship. This incident, fueled by Ozzy’s drug and alcohol abuse, marked one of their lowest points.
2002–2005: The Osbournes Bring Fame to the Family
The couple’s unconventional life was thrust into the spotlight with the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005. Featuring Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack (Aimee opted for privacy), the show revealed their chaotic yet loving dynamic, earning a Primetime Emmy. During this period, Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002, undergoing surgery while continuing to support Ozzy’s career. Their eldest daughter, Aimee, later explained her absence from the show, valuing her privacy over public exposure.
2013: Rumors of Trouble
In April 2013, Ozzy addressed rumors of a relapse into substance abuse, denying divorce speculations on social media and stating he was “trying to be a better person.” Sharon stood by him, and the couple remained united despite public scrutiny.
2016: Infidelity and a Brief Split
The marriage hit another rough patch in May 2016 when Sharon learned of Ozzy’s affairs with multiple women, including a celebrity hairstylist and a masseuse. The couple announced plans to divorce, with Sharon revealing she attempted suicide by overdosing on pills after discovering Ozzy’s emotional investment in one affair. However, by July 2016, they reconciled, with Sharon publicly forgiving Ozzy on The Talk, calling him a “romantic fool.” Ozzy later expressed regret for his actions, telling British GQ in 2020, “I’m lucky she didn’t leave me.”
2017: Renewing Their Vows
In May 2017, Ozzy and Sharon renewed their vows in Las Vegas, a ceremony Ozzy described to HELLO! as their “real wedding day,” symbolizing a fresh start. He admitted his infidelity was a “huge mistake,” reaffirming his love for Sharon, saying, “Without Sharon, I am nothing.”
2020–2023: Health Struggles and Unwavering Support
Ozzy’s 2003 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, revealed publicly in 2019, brought new challenges. Sharon supported him through health setbacks, including a 2003 quad bike accident that left him with severe injuries. In 2023, The Osbournes Podcast launched, featuring the entire family, including Aimee, and showcased their enduring bond. Sharon described their marriage as one of “oddballs” cut from the same mold, crediting their shared quirks for their longevity.
2024: Sharon’s Heartbreaking Revelation
During her one-woman show, Sharon Osbourne: Cut the Crap, Sharon disclosed the depth of her pain from Ozzy’s 2016 affairs, admitting to attempting suicide due to his emotional involvement with another woman. Despite this, she emphasized their “undying love,” telling Variety, “Our relationship was often wild, insane, and dangerous, but it kept us together.”
2025: A Final Farewell
Just weeks after celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2025, Ozzy performed his final concert with Black Sabbath in Birmingham on July 5. On July 22, 2025, Ozzy passed away at 76, surrounded by family. Sharon, devastated, was by his side, having supported him through his final years of declining health. Their love story, set to be immortalized in a biopic by Osbourne Media, remains a testament to resilience and devotion.
Legacy of Love
Ozzy once called Sharon his “soulmate,” saying, “I couldn’t live without her.” Despite infidelity, addiction, and a violent incident, their marriage endured through forgiveness and mutual acceptance. As Sharon told People in 2022, “We never gave up on each other. We’re just meant to be.” Their story, marked by chaos and devotion, remains one of rock’s most iconic romances.
