Ozzy Osbourne's death came 'sooner than expected' but his children grateful for final moments together

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, died at 76 on Tuesday, July 22, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He died at his home in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by his wife Sharon and their children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Louis.

Although his illness had signaled declining health, his family hadn’t expected his death to come so soon. Just over two weeks earlier, Ozzy had taken the stage for an emotional final performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, reuniting with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for the first time since 2005. 

Sources close to Ozzy Osbourne’s family say his death was 'unexpected'

In a deeply emotional statement shared on X, Ozzy Osbourne’s family confirmed the devastating news of his death. 

“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 said.

They added, “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

Sources close to the family revealed that while they were aware of Ozzy’s declining health, his death was "unexpected to be this soon." His children, however, felt grateful to be by his side in his final days.

The heavy metal icon, known globally as the “Prince of Darkness,” died at his Buckinghamshire mansion, where his wife Sharon, a former 'X Factor' judge, had spent the last two years carefully preparing for his final chapter.

According to the DailyMail, daughters Aimee,41, and Kelly,40, flew in from Los Angeles to care for their father in his final days. His son Jack,39, also traveled from Idaho, having recently attended Ozzy’s last concert at Villa Park on July 5.

Ozzy Osbourne was surrounded by his children during his final days

A close family friend shared on Tuesday night that Ozzy Osbourne had always intended to return to the UK and spend his final years in Buckinghamshire, a home his wife Sharon had lovingly prepared over the past several years for his eventual homecoming.

They said, "There was much hope that he would be around for a lot longer than this but at one point there were fears they would not get him back from Los Angeles for the concert earlier this month."

"Kelly has been at the house a lot in the last week or so, so has Aimee. It is terribly sad for all of them, they really hoped he would be able to carry on for a bit longer,” the friend added. “But it's so lovely that he had his children around him during his last days.”

Tributes poured in from around the world, with Elton John leading the outpouring of grief. The music icon honored Ozzy on Instagram, writing, "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away."

He added, "He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods - a true legend."

“He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” Elton added. “I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love."

Ozzy Osbourne gave emotional farewell performance despite battling illness

Despite battling illness, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage earlier this month for an emotional farewell performance, reuniting with original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005. 

Standing before a sea of devoted fans, Ozzy addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude, saying, “You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The farewell concert featured a powerhouse lineup of heavy metal icons, including Metallica, Pantera, and Alice in Chains, with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler also joining the tribute.

Ozzy leaves behind a large and loving family. His grandchildren include Sidney, the son of Kelly and Sid Wilson, and four daughters, Pearl Clementine, Andy Rose, Minnie Theodora, and Maple Artemis, born to his son Jack from his previous marriage to Lisa Stelly and his current wife, Aree Gearhart.

Ozzy also fathered two children, Louis and Jessica, with his first wife, Thelma Riley.