5 Definitive Facts About Ozzy Osbourne's Death: Final Words, Cause Of Death, And The $220 Million Legacy

The world of rock and roll is in mourning following the confirmation that legendary singer John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, passed away earlier this year. After years of battling a series of debilitating health issues, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and successful solo artist died at the age of 76. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date information on the circumstances of his passing, the details shared by his family, and the monumental legacy he leaves behind as of today, December 18, 2025.

Rumors about Ozzy Osbourne’s health and demise have circulated for years, but on July 22, 2025, the music community received the heartbreaking news that the Godfather of Heavy Metal had truly passed away. The announcement came from the Osbourne family, who confirmed the death of the beloved husband, father, and rock icon, bringing an end to the extraordinary life of one of music's most enduring and controversial figures.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Complete Biographical Profile

Ozzy Osbourne's life was a spectacular, often chaotic journey from working-class Birmingham to global superstardom. His career spanned six decades, marked by both musical innovation and intense personal struggles. His profile is a testament to his resilience and unparalleled influence on the heavy metal genre.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Nickname: Ozzy, The Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Heavy Metal, The Madman
• Date of Birth: December 3, 1948
• Date of Death: July 22, 2025
• Age at Death: 76
• Place of Birth: Aston, Birmingham, England
• Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982), Thelma Riley (m. 1971; div. 1982)
• Children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack (with Sharon); Jessica, Louis (with Thelma); Elliot (adopted by Sharon)
• Primary Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017), Solo Artist (1980–2025)
• Key Albums: Paranoid (Black Sabbath), Blizzard of Ozz (Solo), Diary of a Madman (Solo)
• Net Worth: Estimated at $220 million at the time of his death, combined with his wife Sharon.

The Confirmed Cause of Death and Final Moments

The immediate aftermath of Ozzy’s passing was filled with an outpouring of grief and a desire for clarity regarding his final moments. The family released a statement confirming his death, and details later emerged regarding the cause and the touching, personal farewells.

Fact 1: The Primary Cause of Death Was a Heart Attack

While Ozzy had battled numerous severe health issues in his final years, the immediate cause of his death on July 22, 2025, was confirmed to be a heart attack. This acute event was compounded by his long-standing health struggles. Secondary causes listed included coronary artery disease and the effects of Parkinson’s disease, which he had been privately diagnosed with in 2003 and publicly revealed in 2020.

Fact 2: His Final Words Were "Kiss Me... Hug Me Tight"

In a deeply emotional revelation, his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, shared details of his final hours. She recounted that Ozzy had been restless throughout the night, and in the early hours of the morning, he woke her up. His last words to her, moments before his heart attack, were a tender request: "Kiss me... hug me tight." Sharon described the moment she found him following the heart attack, emphasizing that her husband was "ready" for his life to end after years of intense pain and declining mobility.

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Fact 3: The Health Battles That Preceded His Passing

Ozzy’s final decade was marked by a relentless series of medical challenges that severely limited his ability to perform live. These health battles became a central theme in his later life, explaining his forced retirement from touring and the eventual move back to the UK.

• Parkinson’s Disease: Diagnosed in 2003, the progressive neurological disorder, which he referred to as PRKN 2, severely affected his balance and mobility, particularly his legs.
• Spinal Injuries: A severe fall in 2019 exacerbated injuries from a 2003 quad biking accident, necessitating a series of complex and painful spinal surgeries. He underwent his fourth and final spinal surgery in September 2023, after which he declared he was done with operations.
• Retirement from Touring: In early 2023, Ozzy officially announced his retirement from touring, citing his physical inability to handle the rigors of the road, though he maintained hope for a final, one-off performance.

The Unmatched Legacy of The Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on music goes far beyond his controversial antics and reality TV fame. He is universally credited as one of the principal architects of heavy metal, both with Black Sabbath and through his pioneering solo career.

Fact 4: The Black Sabbath and Solo Career Milestones

As the original frontman of Black Sabbath, Ozzy helped define the sound of heavy metal with dark, sludgy riffs and occult-inspired themes on albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. His distinct vocal style and theatrical stage presence were integral to the band's identity. After his departure, he launched a wildly successful solo career, introducing the world to guitar virtuosos like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde and creating iconic albums such as Blizzard of Ozz. His solo work cemented his status as a standalone rock god.

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Furthermore, his creation of the traveling festival Ozzfest in 1996 provided a vital platform for countless metal and rock bands, introducing a new generation of fans to heavy hitters like Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Korn, further solidifying his influence as a tastemaker and "Godfather" figure in the genre.

Fact 5: Unprecedented Tributes From The Music Community

The news of his death prompted an immediate and massive wave of tributes from across the entertainment spectrum, underscoring his colossal influence. Fellow musicians, rock legends, and even pop stars paused their own tours to honor the late icon.

Artists who paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in the days and weeks following his death included:

• Black Sabbath: His former bandmates shared their profound sadness and respect for their original singer.
• Elton John: Paid tribute to his friend, remembering him as a kind and unique soul.
• Alice Cooper: Dedicated performances to the Prince of Darkness during his own tour dates.
• Coldplay and Lady Gaga: Both artists paid tribute at their respective concerts, showcasing the breadth of his influence outside of the metal genre.
• Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones): Expressed his sadness and recalled Ozzy's "lovely goodbye concert."
• Pantera, Ghost, and Machine Head: Numerous metal bands dedicated their onstage performances to the man who paved the way for their careers.

The overwhelming response confirmed that Ozzy Osbourne was more than just a musician; he was a cultural force. His legacy—the music, the madness, and the sheer longevity of his career—will continue to resonate for decades, ensuring that the Prince of Darkness remains an immortal figure in rock history. His passing is a true end of an era, but his music ensures his spirit is anything but silent.