The world is mourning the loss of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76 — just weeks after his unforgettable final performance with Black Sabbath in Birmingham.
Known to millions as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy’s impact on music is legendary. But to his family — especially his sisters, Jean Powell (85) and Gillian Hemming (80) — he was simply a beloved brother who never forgot to check in.
In a recent interview with The Mirror, Jean shared tender memories of her brother’s final days, including the last text he ever sent her. Despite his frailty and the effects of Parkinson’s disease — which he’d battled since 2019 — Ozzy was full of gratitude and hope after reuniting with his bandmates on July 5 at Villa Park.
“He was frail, but it still came as a shock,” Jean said. “He still had plans and things he wanted to do.”
Jean and Gillian were there that night, watching alongside 45,000 fans as Ozzy performed his last set, seated but smiling. The event wasn’t just a concert — it raised over $190 million (£140 million) for Parkinson’s research, children’s hospitals, and local hospices.
“He was blown away by the love from the crowd,” Jean recalled. “In his final message, he texted, ‘I can’t wait to come back [to Birmingham].’ We were hoping to see him this week…”
Even with the challenges of his illness, Ozzy never stopped checking in with his sisters. “Every week, without fail,” Jean said, “he’d call or text just to see how we were doing.”
His passing was confirmed by his wife Sharon and their children in a heartfelt statement:
“It is with more sadness than words can express that we share the news that our beloved Ozzy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and love.”
Fans across the globe are remembering not just the rock legend, but the man who, even in his final days, stayed grounded in love, family, and home.
And thanks to Sharon’s tireless support, Ozzy got to fulfill his last wish — returning to England, and taking one final bow in the city that shaped him.
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