Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock musician renowned for his wild antics and distinctive sound, passed away on 22 July 2023 at the age of 76. In an appearance on Jamie Kennedy’s podcast, “Hate to Break It to Ya,” his son, Jack Osbourne, shared insights about his father’s final hours, revealing that they were surprisingly serene rather than dramatic.
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Jack, 40, recounted how before Ozzy’s death, the morning unfolded like any other. He stated, “It was a few days after I got back that he passed, and even the morning that he passed, it wasn’t anything dramatic at all. He was up, he was doing his thing, had some breakfast, and that was it.” This quiet routine stands in stark contrast to the often tumultuous life the rock star was known for.
The official cause of Ozzy’s passing was cardiac arrest, further complicated by his long battle with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2003. Despite being aware of his father’s health challenges, Jack expressed surprise over how swiftly Ozzy’s death occurred. He commented, “Obviously everyone knew he was sick, but it wasn’t… He was really gearing up for the Black Sabbath final show, so he was exercising a lot and moving around. He was fired up.”
Reflecting on his father’s outlook, Jack suggested that there is a degree of choice in how one chooses to face the end of life. “I just think he was done,” he stated, underlining a sense of acceptance regarding Ozzy’s passing. Alongside Jack, the rest of the Osbourne family, including daughter Kelly and wife Sharon, have paid tribute since Ozzy’s death, with notable appearances at various events to honour his legacy.
Sharon, 73, recently expressed her thoughts during the 2026 BRIT Awards, where she and Kelly accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of her husband. In her speech, Sharon humorously imagined Ozzy’s reaction to public speaking, saying, “I know that Ozzy is looking down on us all right now, and I know what he is thinking. He hated to make speeches. He hated listening to speeches. He’d be saying, ‘Hey, missus, shut the f— up!’”
Notably, during a prior podcast appearance in February, Sharon mentioned that Ozzy had an awareness of his declining health as he approached the end of his life. She recalled conversations surrounding his final performance with Black Sabbath on 5 July, noting, “He needed [to perform]. And [he was] like, ‘Whether I die in two weeks or I die in six months, I’m still dying. And I want to go my way.’ And he did. He went like a rock star.”
Ozzy’s lengthy and storied career left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. Known for his contributions to heavy metal as part of Black Sabbath and his later successful solo career, Osbourne amassed a devoted fan base, becoming a cultural icon. His music and persona resonated with countless fans, ensuring his legacy would endure long after his passing.
The family continues to cherish Ozzy’s impact, not just within the music community, but also through the heartwarming memories they hold of him personally. As they navigate life without him, they are committed to celebrating his contributions to the world. “He always wanted to do better, both personally and professionally,” said Sharon, noting how her husband never felt that mere words could truly express his gratitude for his life.
In the aftermath of his loss, the Osbourne family has found solace in honouring Ozzy’s remarkable career and the legacy he leaves behind. From heartfelt remembrances to celebrating his achievements, they are determined to keep his memory alive and to continue sharing his music with fans around the globe.