The world of music has lost one of its loudest and most beloved voices. John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, famously known as the “Prince of Darkness,” passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. Best known for his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath and his wildly successful solo career, Ozzy was much more than a rock icon — he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a true original.
Five years ago, Ozzy publicly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis, facing it head-on with honesty and courage, just as he did with every challenge throughout his extraordinary life.
From Birmingham to Black Sabbath: The Birth of Heavy Metal
Born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy’s life story was anything but ordinary. After a tough start, he found his way into music and formed a band with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward in the late 1960s. That band — eventually renamed Black Sabbath — would go on to shape the sound of heavy metal and inspire generations of musicians.
Their dark, powerful sound broke new ground and gave rise to a whole new genre. Ozzy’s haunting voice and wild energy turned Black Sabbath into legends.
A Solo Journey Fueled by Reinvention
In 1979, Ozzy parted ways with Black Sabbath, and many thought that would be the end of the road. Instead, it was just the beginning. With help from his soon-to-be-wife and manager Sharon Arden, Ozzy launched a solo career that soared. Albums like Blizzard of Ozz, Bark at the Moon, and No Rest for the Wicked earned him multi-platinum status and solidified his place as a rock god in his own right.
Sharon: His Rock and His Queen
Ozzy met Sharon Arden in the early ’70s through her father, who managed Black Sabbath. Years later, when he was struggling with addiction and isolation, it was Sharon who helped him get back on his feet — both personally and professionally. Their connection turned into one of rock and roll’s most enduring love stories.
They married in 1982 and built a life that was anything but ordinary. Through highs and lows, they stayed together for over 40 years, always standing by each other.
Family First: Building the Osbourne Legacy
Together, Ozzy and Sharon had three children — Aimee, Kelly, and Jack — and Ozzy remained close with his children from a previous marriage, too. While fans knew him as a wild rockstar, at home he was “Dad” and later “Papa” — a fun-loving, doting grandfather who adored his grandchildren.
Photos of him goofing around with the little ones or proudly lifting young Jack during a photoshoot reveal the softer, sweeter side of the man who once bit the head off a bat.
From Rock Stages to TV Screens
In the early 2000s, the Osbournes invited the world into their home through the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes. Audiences fell in love with the family’s quirky, chaotic dynamic — and especially with Ozzy’s lovable confusion and heart. The show ran from 2002 to 2005 and made the Osbournes household names to a whole new generation.
One Final Tour with Black Sabbath
In 2011, the original Black Sabbath members reunited for one last album and a farewell tour. Their final show in 2017, back where it all began in Birmingham, was an emotional end to a powerful musical journey.
The Gentle Grandfather
Ozzy’s later years were filled with quiet moments of family life. He embraced becoming a grandfather, often captured in adorable moments with his grandkids — making funny faces, telling stories, and being the kind of grandpa only Ozzy could be. Jack once posted a photo of his daughter pulling an “Ozzy face,” calling her a “chip off the old block.”
Facing the End with Strength
After a fall in 2019 and multiple surgeries, Ozzy’s health challenges grew. His Parkinson’s diagnosis came in 2020, and he spoke openly about his physical and emotional struggles.
In 2023, he told Rolling Stone UK, “At best I’ve got 10 years left… I’ve just got to accept that.” He also admitted that stepping away from touring was like losing a part of himself: “It’s been like saying goodbye to the best relationship of my life.”
A Peaceful Goodbye
On July 22, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne passed away surrounded by his family and their love. In a statement to PEOPLE, they said:
“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. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a music legend. He was a fighter, a showman, a husband, a father, and a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. His influence on music, pop culture, and generations of fans is immeasurable. Though the curtain has fallen on his remarkable life, his voice, his spirit, and his unforgettable presence will live on — loud, proud, and eternal.