The Passing of a Rock Legend
Fans around the world were left heartbroken following the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” the Black Sabbath frontman passed away on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His passing marked the end of an era for rock music, and he is being remembered for his immense contributions to the genre and the legacy he left behind for his family.
Ozzy had made meticulous arrangements for his estate before his passing. His wealth, estimated at $220 million, was set to be distributed among his family members, with no one excluded from the inheritance. A source revealed that Ozzy was firm in his decision to ensure all his children would receive their share, regardless of their public profiles.
A Large Family and a Thoughtful Will
Ozzy was the father of six children. He had three children—Elliot Kingsley, Jessica Osbourne, and Louis Osbourne—with his first wife, Thelma Riley, whom he married from 1971 to 1982. Later, he had three more children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne—with his second wife, Sharon Osbourne, whom he married in 1982.
Sharon, now 72, will inherit a significant portion of Ozzy’s estate. She will also be joined by their children, including Aimee Osbourne, 41, who has chosen to live a private life away from the spotlight. Aimee is expected to receive one-third of the residual estate, along with her siblings: Kelly, 40, and Jack, 39.
Battling Illness and Continuing to Perform
Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and publicly disclosed his condition in 2020. Despite this, he continued to perform and advocate for awareness, facing numerous challenges throughout his life. These included a serious quad-bike accident in 2003 and spinal injuries from a fall in 2019. However, he never let these setbacks stop him from doing what he loved.
His final performance took place just two weeks before his death. He sang seated on a throne at Villa Park alongside Black Sabbath during the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert. This event raised an impressive $189.4 million for several charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Reflections on Legacy
In his final interview with People, Ozzy shared how he wanted to be remembered. He said, “Survival is my legacy.” He added, “I mean, I'm 73. People go, ‘Well, you're 70… why don't I throw the towel in?’ Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I?”
He continued, “It motivates me to get off my backside and do something. I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable.”
Tributes and Memories
Ozzy’s final days were filled with both public and private tributes. His daughters, Jessica and Louis, posted heartfelt messages online. Jessica shared “RIP Ozzy” along with a clip of “Crazy Train,” while Louis honored him with a blacked-out profile picture related to the Parkinson's Association of SWFL. His sisters, Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming, remembered him as “loving and funny.”
Musicians like Elton John, Rod Stewart, Metallica, and Alice Cooper also paid tribute to Ozzy, calling him a “huge trailblazer” and expressing their deep admiration for his work and influence on the music industry.
