7 Cruel Health Battles That Defined Ozzy Osbourne's Final Years And Led To His Passing

The legendary 'Prince of Darkness,' Ozzy Osbourne, succumbed to a long and public battle with chronic health issues on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the music world is still mourning the loss of the Black Sabbath frontman, but new details continue to emerge from his family, particularly his wife, Sharon Osbourne, about the grueling final years of his life. The icon’s health struggles were a complex web of a long-term neurological disorder and devastating injuries, which ultimately forced him to retire from touring and significantly reduced his mobility.

The final chapter of Ozzy’s life was marked by a relentless series of medical challenges, defined by constant pain, multiple surgeries, and the progressive nature of his Parkinson's disease. His resilience in the face of these ailments became a final, powerful testament to his enduring spirit, even as his body failed him. The following is a detailed look at the health crises that overshadowed the final years of the rock legend.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Final Biography

The life of John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy Osbourne, was a rollercoaster of rock and roll excess, musical innovation, and personal struggle. His final years were spent battling the physical toll of his decades-long career and a series of devastating accidents and diagnoses.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Born: December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England
• Died: July 22, 2025, at the age of 76
• Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
• Children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Louis, Jessica, and Elliot
• Nicknames: Prince of Darkness, Godfather of Heavy Metal
• Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017), Solo Career (1980–2025)
• Primary Health Diagnoses: Parkinson's disease (Parkin 2 mutation), Spinal Cord Injury, PRISM (Prader-Willi-like syndrome)
• Final Show: July 5, 2025, at the "Back to the Beginning" concert in Birmingham
• Official Cause of Death: Heart Attack (as reported by one source)

The Two-Front War: Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Trauma

Ozzy’s health battle was primarily a two-pronged attack: a progressive neurological disorder and a series of catastrophic physical injuries. These two issues compounded each other, leading to a significant decline in his quality of life and mobility in his final years.

1. The Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis (2003/2020)

Ozzy was first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease—specifically a form called Parkin 2, which is a milder, hereditary type—in 2003, but he did not publicly reveal the diagnosis until 2020. This neurological condition, which affects the central nervous system, caused tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Despite the "milder" classification, the disease severely impacted his ability to perform and, eventually, to walk. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed that the disease significantly "affected his legs" in the final stages of his life.

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2. The 2019 Fall and Devastating Spinal Injury

The most significant turning point in his health came in 2019 when he suffered a severe fall at home. This accident aggravated an old injury from a 2003 quad bike crash, causing damage to his neck and spine. The fall displaced metal rods that had been inserted after the quad bike accident, leading to excruciating, constant pain for years.

3. A Barrage of Seven Spinal Surgeries

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Between 2019 and 2024, Ozzy underwent an astonishing seven surgeries in five years in an attempt to repair the damage to his spine and neck. He described the period following one of the major operations as "the longest, most painful, miserable" period of his life. The goal of these intensive procedures was to alleviate the pain and restore his mobility, but the recovery was slow and ultimately incomplete. He publicly stated in 2024 that he could not have any more surgery due to the slow recovery process at his age.

The Final Months: Mobility Loss and Last Farewell

The combination of Parkinson's and the physical trauma reached a critical point in the final year of his life, leading to the heartbreaking loss of his ability to walk and a poignant final performance.

4. Loss of Mobility in 2025

By early 2025, the cumulative toll of his health issues became impossible to hide. The years of falls, spinal injuries, and the progressive nature of his neurological disease deeply reduced his mobility. On his SiriusXM radio show, Ozzy himself discussed his condition, and it was widely reported in December 2025 that he could no longer walk. This inability to move independently was a devastating blow to a performer known for his chaotic, energetic stage presence.

5. Cancelling the "Final" Tour Dates

Despite his fervent desire to return to the stage, the physical reality of his health forced him to cancel his much-anticipated European tour in early 2023, stating he was "not physically capable" of the extensive travel required. This cancellation was a clear indication that his touring career was over, a decision he described as one of the hardest things he had ever had to share with his fans.

6. The Birmingham Farewell Show

In a final, powerful act of defiance against his ailments, Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show on July 5, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This event, titled "Back to the Beginning," served as his definitive farewell to the stage, allowing the rock legend to conclude his performing career where it all began, just weeks before his death.

7. The Private Final Moments and Sharon's Revelation

Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025. While his decades-long health struggles—especially Parkinson's and the spinal injuries—were the underlying factors, his official cause of death was reported as a heart attack. In a highly emotional interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored in December 2025, Sharon Osbourne opened up about her husband's final moments and his last words to her. She revealed the raw, honest, and heartbreaking details of his passing, confirming that the pain he endured in the final years was "constant." Sharon also spoke about the assisted suicide pact they had long held, which she ultimately chose not to keep, highlighting the profound emotional struggle of his final chapter.

The legacy of the Prince of Darkness is one of musical brilliance and unparalleled longevity. His final years, marked by a grueling battle against crippling physical ailments, only added a layer of tragic heroism to his story, demonstrating an unyielding spirit that will forever resonate with his millions of fans worldwide.