Kelly Osbourne’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Her Father, Ozzy Osbourne

On July 24, 2025, two days after the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76, his daughter Kelly Osbourne broke her silence with a poignant Instagram Stories post, quoting lyrics from their 2003 duet, Black Sabbath’s “Changes”: “I feel unhappy, I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had.” But it was her subsequent tribute, shared on July 28, 2025, that left fans in tears, describing it as one of the most heartbreaking reflections ever written. Kelly revealed that Ozzy passed away holding his mother Sharon’s hand, a detail that underscored the deep bond between the couple. What followed was a deeply personal recounting of childhood memories, their shared musical legacy, and the bittersweet final moments that defined their extraordinary father-daughter relationship. This article delves into Kelly’s emotional tribute, weaving together her words, family moments, and the legacy of the “Prince of Darkness.”

A Father-Daughter Bond Forged in Love and Music

Kelly Osbourne, born October 24, 1984, to Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, grew up in the shadow of her father’s larger-than-life persona as the frontman of Black Sabbath, the band credited with inventing heavy metal. Despite Ozzy’s wild reputation—marked by infamous incidents like biting the head off a bat—Kelly’s tribute painted a picture of a loving, if unconventional, father. She recalled childhood memories from their reality TV show The Osbournes (2002-2005), which showcased Ozzy as a “well-meaning, frequently befuddled patriarch.” In one undated video shared in her tribute, a teenage Kelly sat on Ozzy’s knee, playfully referencing his colorful language: “I can’t say f**k,” to which Ozzy quipped, “Terrible, isn’t it, the way children speak these days?”

This lighthearted moment captured their close bond, which was further cemented through music. In 2003, Kelly and Ozzy recorded a duet version of “Changes,” originally a 1972 Black Sabbath ballad about a breakup, reimagined as a father-daughter reflection on their evolving relationship. The song, which hit number one on the UK singles chart, became a touchstone for their connection. Kelly later said on Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour, “That song stands for so much in our family… it represented our relationship and how much we loved each other.” Her July 24 Instagram post, quoting the song’s lyrics, was a nod to this shared history, resonating deeply with fans who called it a “gut-wrenching” tribute.

The Final Farewell Concert and a Joyous Moment

Ozzy’s final days were marked by a triumphant return to his hometown of Birmingham, England, for Black Sabbath’s farewell concert on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park. Despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2003 but publicly revealed in 2020, and a 2019 fall that left him with mobility issues, Ozzy performed seated on a throne, joined by bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for their first reunion in 20 years. The “Back to the Beginning” concert, attended by 42,000 fans and featuring acts like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, was a celebration of Ozzy’s legacy. Kelly described it as “magic,” writing, “My dad got his moment in the sun! He was able to say thank you and goodbye in the most beautiful way!”

The concert held personal significance for Kelly, as her longtime partner, Slipknot musician Sid Wilson, proposed to her backstage in front of Ozzy and Sharon. In a video Kelly shared, Ozzy jokingly interjected during Sid’s proposal, “F**k off, you’re not marrying my daughter,” prompting laughter from the family. This moment, filled with joy and Ozzy’s characteristic humor, became a cherished memory for Kelly, who accepted the proposal and later reflected on the bittersweet timing, as it was one of the last times she saw her father so vibrant.

The Final Days: Holding His Mother’s Hand

Ozzy’s health deteriorated rapidly after the concert. On July 20, Kelly shared a heartwarming Instagram Story of Ozzy at their Buckinghamshire home, wearing headphones and saying “Good morning” while sitting at the breakfast table with Kelly and her two-year-old son, Sidney. This sweet moment, just two days before his death, captured Ozzy as a doting grandfather, a role he cherished despite his health struggles. Kelly later noted that Ozzy credited her with helping him cope with Parkinson’s, a condition that caused tremors, mobility issues, and speech difficulties.

On July 22, 2025, Ozzy passed away at the family’s Grade II listed Welders House in Buckinghamshire. An air ambulance was called at 10:30 a.m., with paramedics attempting to save him for two hours, but he could not be revived. The Osbourne family’s statement, signed by Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis, read, “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.” Kelly’s later tribute revealed the intimate detail that Ozzy died holding Sharon’s hand, a testament to their 43-year marriage that endured addiction, infidelity, and health crises. Fans on X called this revelation “devastatingly beautiful,” with one writing, “The image of Ozzy passing while holding Sharon’s hand is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve read.”

Kelly’s Tribute: A Tapestry of Memories

Kelly’s full tribute, posted on July 28, was a tapestry of memories that moved fans to tears. She wrote of sneaking into Ozzy’s tour bus as a child, mesmerized by his stage presence, and laughing over his attempts to navigate family life after years on the road. She recalled his pride when she joined him on stage for “Changes” and his playful grumbling about grandchildren climbing into his bed, saying, “Nope, I’m not doing that.” Kelly described Ozzy as her “best friend,” not just a rock icon but a father who taught her resilience and love through his own struggles. “You fought so hard to give us everything, even when the world thought you were mad,” she wrote. “I’ll carry your laugh, your chaos, and your love forever.”

She also addressed the pain of his final days, writing, “Seeing you so frail hurt more than I can say, but you still smiled for us. Holding Mum’s hand at the end, you were at peace.” This image of Ozzy and Sharon’s final moment together struck a chord, with fans on X calling it “the most heartbreaking thing ever written” and “a love story for the ages.” Kelly’s tribute also dispelled rumors she had addressed days earlier about a supposed “suicide pact” between Ozzy and Sharon, clarifying that such claims were exaggerated and that Ozzy’s death was due to his long battle with Parkinson’s.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Kelly’s words painted Ozzy not just as the “Prince of Darkness” but as a flawed, loving father whose legacy extended beyond music. She recalled his support during her own battles with addiction, echoing her sentiment that she was “grateful for every mistake” because it led to growth. The tribute also highlighted Ozzy’s impact on his family, with Kelly noting how he found joy in his 10 grandchildren, including Sidney, whom he doted on in his final days. Lisa Stelly, Jack Osbourne’s ex-wife, echoed this in her own tribute, writing, “The world got Ozzy. We got Papa,” alongside photos of Ozzy with his grandkids.

Fans and musicians alike flooded social media with tributes, with Black Sabbath posting “Ozzy Forever” and artists like Elton John and Sammy Hagar praising his legacy. Kelly’s tribute stood out for its raw vulnerability, capturing a side of Ozzy rarely seen by the public. As she wrote, “You were my hero, my best friend, and my dad. I’ll never stop singing ‘Changes’ for you.” The tribute closed with a promise to honor his memory, a sentiment echoed by fans who left flowers and half-drunk pints at Birmingham’s Black Sabbath Bridge.

Conclusion

Kelly Osbourne’s tribute to her father, Ozzy Osbourne, is a testament to a bond that transcended fame, chaos, and illness. From childhood antics to their shared musical triumphs and the poignant image of Ozzy passing while holding Sharon’s hand, Kelly’s words captured a love that resonated with millions. Fans on X called it “heartbreaking” and “beautiful,” a fitting elegy for a rock legend who was, above all, a devoted father and husband. As Kelly navigates life without her “best friend,” her tribute ensures that Ozzy’s legacy—of music, resilience, and love—will endure, just as he did, against all odds.