On July 23, 2025, at approximately 8:36 AM, the music world was shaken by a heartbreaking announcement from the Osbourne family in Mississippi, USA. Just 30 minutes prior, the family released an urgent statement to Ozzy Osbourne’s devoted followers, confirming the passing of the legendary Black Sabbath frontman at the age of 76. The statement, signed by his wife Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis, revealed that Ozzy’s body was discovered earlier that morning, surrounded by loved ones, and showed multiple signs consistent with his long-standing health struggles.
“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’s statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” While the statement did not explicitly detail the “multiple signs” observed, it is widely known that Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2003, alongside other health complications, including spinal injuries from a 2019 fall and multiple surgeries. These conditions had significantly impacted his mobility, though his iconic voice remained strong until the end.
The announcement comes just weeks after Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The concert, billed as his “final bow,” saw him reunite with bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time in two decades. Performing from a throne due to his health, Ozzy delivered a powerful set, thanking his fans “from the bottom of my heart” for their unwavering support. The event was a poignant farewell, attended by 42,000 fans and featuring guest performances from bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses.
Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a pioneering figure in heavy metal, fronting Black Sabbath in the 1970s with seminal albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. His solo career, beginning with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, produced hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears,” earning him multiple platinum records and five Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Osbourne became a household name through the reality TV show The Osbournes, which showcased his chaotic yet endearing family life with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack.
The family’s statement, issued from Mississippi where they were reportedly staying, has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Tributes have flooded social media, with Black Sabbath’s official account posting a photo captioned “Ozzy Forever!” and Metallica sharing a heartfelt image with a broken heart emoji. Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, wrote, “I just can’t believe it. My dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. We’ve lost our brother.”
While the exact circumstances surrounding Osbourne’s passing remain private, the mention of “multiple signs” suggests his death may be linked to his ongoing health battles. In recent years, he had undergone extensive rehabilitation to perform at his final show, working daily with a physiotherapist to manage the effects of Parkinson’s and spinal issues. Sharon Osbourne had previously noted that despite his physical challenges, Ozzy’s spirit and voice remained vibrant, a testament to his resilience.
As the world mourns the loss of a rock icon, the Osbourne family’s request for privacy underscores the personal toll of this tragedy. Fans in Mississippi and beyond are reflecting on Ozzy’s larger-than-life legacy, from his infamous bat-biting incident to his heartfelt performances. His influence on heavy metal and popular culture is undeniable, leaving behind a catalog of music that will resonate for generations.
In this moment of sorrow, the Osbourne family’s statement serves as a somber reminder of Ozzy’s enduring connection with his fans. As tributes continue to pour in, the “Prince of Darkness” will be remembered not only for his music but for the love and passion he shared with the world.
