Los Angeles, CA – July 22, 2025 – The music world is reeling from the news of the passing of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne at age 76, as confirmed by a heartfelt statement from his family. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of 43 years, is at the center of this profound loss, marking the end of one of rock’s most enduring and tumultuous love stories. The couple’s journey, spanning over five decades, was marked by love, chaos, and resilience, making their bond iconic in the annals of pop culture.
A Love Story Forged in Music
Sharon Osbourne, born Sharon Levy in 1952, first met Ozzy in 1970 when she was just 18, working as a receptionist for her father, Don Arden, who managed Ozzy’s band, Black Sabbath. Their relationship turned romantic in 1979 after Ozzy was ousted from Black Sabbath due to his struggles with substance abuse. Sharon stepped in as his manager, helping him launch a successful solo career with hits like Crazy Train. The couple married in a lavish ceremony in Maui, Hawaii, on July 4, 1982, and welcomed three children: Aimee (born 1983), Kelly (1984), and Jack (1985). Ozzy also had two children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and adopted her son, Elliot.
A Rollercoaster Marriage
The Osbournes’ marriage was a whirlwind of highs and lows, often played out in the public eye. Their relationship was tested by Ozzy’s battles with drug and alcohol addiction, which led to violent episodes, including a notorious 1989 incident where Ozzy was arrested for attempting to strangle Sharon while under the influence. Sharon chose not to press charges, and Ozzy spent six months in rehab, a decision she later described as regaining her strength in their relationship.Infidelity also strained their bond. In 2016, the couple briefly separated after Sharon discovered Ozzy’s four-year affair with hairstylist Michelle Pugh, among other indiscretions. Sharon publicly forgave him on The Talk, stating, “I forgive. It’s going to take a long time to trust, but we’ve been together 36 years, 34 of marriage … I just can’t think of my life without him.” They reconciled and renewed their vows in Las Vegas in 2017, with Ozzy calling it their “real wedding day,” symbolizing a fresh start.The couple’s reality show, The Osbournes (2002–2005), brought their chaotic yet loving family life to millions, cementing their status as a cultural phenomenon. Despite challenges, Sharon emphasized their resilience, telling PEOPLE in 2022, “We never gave up on each other. I mean, I wasn’t a saint. Ozzy wasn’t a saint. I gave him as good as he gave me. We’re just meant to be.”
Health Struggles and Unwavering Support
Ozzy’s health battles, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2003 and multiple surgeries following a 2003 ATV accident, brought the couple closer. Sharon supported him through seven surgeries in five years, including a spinal operation in 2023. She spoke candidly about the toll it took, saying on the Paxman: Putting Up With Parkinson’s documentary in 2022, “When I look at my husband, my heart breaks for him. I’m sad for myself to see him that way, but what he goes through is worse.”Their plans to relocate to England were delayed by Ozzy’s health issues, with Sharon noting in July 2025, “Every time we’re set to go, something happens with Ozzy’s health.” Despite these challenges, they launched The Osbournes Podcast in 2023, giving Ozzy a platform to connect with fans.
A Controversial End-of-Life Pact
In 2007, Sharon revealed that she and Ozzy had an assisted suicide pact, planning to travel to Switzerland for euthanasia if either developed Alzheimer’s, a disease that affected Sharon’s father. She reaffirmed this in 2023 on The Osbournes Podcast, saying, “Mental suffering is enough pain without physical.” Speculation about the pact resurfaced after Ozzy’s final Black Sabbath performance on July 5, 2025, but there’s no evidence they acted on it. Their daughter Kelly debunked rumors of Ozzy’s declining health days before his death, calling claims of a suicide pact “bulls—t” meant to garner attention.
Ozzy’s Passing and Sharon’s Loss
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, surrounded by family, as announced in a statement signed by Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey 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 cause of death has not been disclosed, but Ozzy’s recent health struggles and his final performance at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham suggest he was nearing the end of his journey. Sharon, who retired from managing Ozzy after the concert, had expressed a desire to live freely without an itinerary, a plan now overshadowed by her grief.Tributes have poured in, with fans and friends expressing sympathy for Sharon, who described Ozzy as her “soulmate” in a 2022 Instagram post celebrating their 40th anniversary. Posts on X reflect the public’s sorrow, with one user noting, “Ozzy Osbourne dead and Sharon left without her soulmate.”
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Sharon and Ozzy’s 43-year marriage was a testament to their commitment through addiction, infidelity, health crises, and public scrutiny. Their story, documented in reality TV, music, and candid interviews, leaves a legacy of perseverance. As Sharon navigates this profound loss, the world remembers the couple’s mantra, as she told E! News in 2023: “We’re two oddballs, and we were two wild young people that found each other.”The Osbourne family has requested privacy, and no further details on memorial plans have been released. The music community and fans worldwide continue to honor Ozzy’s legacy while supporting Sharon in her grief.
