Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Days: A Family’s Love and a Final Goodbye
The world was shocked when Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary lead singer of Black Sabbath, passed away at the age of 76. His death on July 22nd came after years of battling the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease, which had taken a heavy toll on him. What followed was a final chapter of dignity and privacy, carefully planned by Sharon Osbourne and their children.
Ozzy’s health had deteriorated in recent months, and although the family had been preparing for this moment, it still felt surreal. Sharon Osbourne confirmed in a statement that Ozzy had died of respiratory failure due to complications from his condition, at their home in Buckinghamshire. It was a decision made in alignment with his wishes — Ozzy had expressed a desire to spend his final days at home, surrounded by family, rather than in a hospital.
“The decision was made months ago,” Sharon shared in an interview. She revealed that the family had begun preparing for Ozzy’s end-of-life care, coordinating medical personnel and organizing a care system that would allow him to stay at home under his own terms. “We were prepared for this,” she said. “Ozzy wanted to be at home, and we honored that.”
In the days leading up to his death, the Osbourne family was with him every step of the way. Sharon, their children Amy, Kelly, and Jack, as well as a special care team, made sure he was comfortable. A final video call with his children took place just days before Ozzy’s passing. Jack Osbourne recalled that while his father had lost the ability to speak, the family could still communicate with him through his eyes and facial expressions. The moment was clear and poignant — a final, silent goodbye.
Sharon Osbourne, ever dedicated to her husband, was the one who stood by his side during his final hours. In a letter, Sharon shared that Ozzy’s death was the culmination of months of planning, and that they had kept their promises to him. “Nothing was done outside Ozzy’s wishes,” she affirmed.
After his passing, Ozzy was kept in a private room for 12 hours, his body remaining with the family before a private burial took place in their family plot. Sharon, who had long managed Ozzy’s career, also oversaw his funeral arrangements, ensuring the event was kept entirely within the family. The funeral was not livestreamed, nor was it photographed by the press. Instead, unreleased recordings made by Ozzy during his recovery from a 2019 accident were used as the soundtrack, with a remix of “See You on the Other Side” as the final track — a choice personally made by Ozzy.
The Osbourne family had gone through many challenges over the years, including a period of crisis following the confirmation of Ozzy’s extramarital affair. Despite this, Sharon remained steadfast in her role as his manager, guiding their family through the ups and downs. They rebuilt their relationship and, in the final years, she became his primary support, managing both his health and career.
Ozzy’s final days were marked by privacy, respect, and love. The world will forever remember the man who revolutionized rock music, but it’s the family’s devotion to his wishes that will define his last chapter.
As Sharon Osbourne said in her statement: “Everything was considered, confirmed, and approved. We maintained the relationship by reestablishing a system not based on immediate emotions but on mutual respect and understanding.”
In the end, Ozzy Osbourne died as he lived — on his own terms, surrounded by those he loved. His legacy, both as a pioneering musician and a husband and father, will continue to inspire and endure.