The rock music world mourns the passing of legendary artist Ozzy Osbourne, who died at the age of 76. Osbourne’s death was announced by his family on Tuesday, confirming he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. His older children from his previous marriage to Thelma Riley, Louis and Jessica Osbourne, have paid tribute to their father in the wake of the announcement.
Osbourne, who gained fame in the early 2000s through the reality television series The Osbournes, had two children with Riley: Louis, aged 50, and Jessica. The couple was married from 1971 until their divorce in 1982. In a poignant gesture, Louis changed his Facebook profile picture to a black square, while Jessica shared a tribute from television personality Mario Lopez, simply stating, “RIP Ozzy.” Notably, Jessica was not included in the official family statement regarding her father’s passing.
In their announcement, Osbourne’s family expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “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.” They added, “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” The statement was signed by Sharon Osbourne, along with their children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Louis.
Reflecting on her childhood, Jessica previously described her relationship with her father as tumultuous, noting that he often spent long periods away from home. “My recollection from my childhood with dad is that he’d be away for very long periods of time, and there’d always be a period of adjustment when he came home, and then it’d get to normality and then he’d go again,” she stated in the 2011 documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne.
At the time of his death, Osbourne was battling Parkinson’s disease and had suffered a spinal injury. Earlier this month, he performed his final show with Black Sabbath at the Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham, England, marking a significant moment in his storied career.
The impact of Osbourne’s legacy is felt not only in the rock music community but also among his family, who remember him as both a musical icon and a complex figure in their lives. As tributes continue to pour in, fans and fellow musicians alike honor the life and contributions of the Prince of Darkness.
