7 Shocking Facts About Thelma Riley, Ozzy Osbourne's First Wife, And Her Quiet Life Today

The question of "Is Thelma Riley still alive?" has seen a massive resurgence in interest, particularly in late 2024 and throughout 2025, as fans of the legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne look back at his life and the people who shaped him. The simple and definitive answer is Yes, Thelma Riley is still alive and well, celebrating her 71st birthday in May 2025.

Thelma Riley, who was married to the Prince of Darkness before Sharon Osbourne, has deliberately chosen a life of extreme privacy, which is the primary reason for the enduring curiosity about her current status. Her post-divorce existence is a stark contrast to the highly public, reality-TV-documented world of the Osbourne family, painting a fascinating picture of a woman who actively chose to step away from the rock and roll spotlight.

Thelma Riley: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Thelma Riley is best known as the first wife of Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. She is an example of someone who married a celebrity but chose to completely retreat from the public eye after her divorce, maintaining a private life that has fueled decades of speculation.

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• Full Name: Thelma Mayfair Riley
• Also Known As: Thelma Osbourne, Thelma Mayfair
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1954
• Age (as of December 2025): 71 years old
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Former Profession: School Teacher (specifically in Leicestershire, England)
• Spouse: Ozzy Osbourne (Married: 1971; Divorced: 1982)
• Children:
  • Elliot Kingsley (Son from a previous relationship, adopted by Ozzy)
  • Jessica Osbourne (Daughter with Ozzy)
  • Louis Osbourne (Son with Ozzy)
• Current Status: Alive and living a private life away from media scrutiny.

The Decision to Vanish: Why Thelma Riley Erased the Rocker

The marriage between Thelma Riley and Ozzy Osbourne lasted from 1971 to 1982, a tumultuous decade that spanned the height of Black Sabbath's fame and the beginning of Ozzy's solo career. Their relationship began in a Birmingham nightclub where Thelma worked, and the subsequent years were reportedly marked by the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle.

The primary reason for Thelma's decision to "vanish" from the public narrative was the breakdown of the marriage, which Ozzy Osbourne himself has openly reflected on as being difficult due to his substance abuse and infidelity.

A Clean Break from the Spotlight

Following the divorce in 1982, Thelma made a conscious and complete break from the world of celebrity. She chose not to pursue fame or leverage her connection to the legendary musician, a path that is almost unheard of for former spouses of rock icons.

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Instead of seeking public attention, Thelma returned to a quiet, normal life, reportedly working as a school teacher in Leicestershire, England. This pivot to a stable, non-celebrity profession underscores her commitment to privacy and stability for herself and her children.

The Contrast with Sharon Osbourne

Thelma's post-divorce life is often contrasted with the highly visible public life of Ozzy's second wife, Sharon Osbourne. While Sharon built a media empire that included the successful reality show The Osbournes, Thelma actively avoided all media contact. This stark difference highlights Thelma's desire to protect her privacy and maintain a sense of normalcy for her family, far from the chaos of rock stardom.

The Lives of Thelma Riley’s Children Today

A major point of interest surrounding Thelma Riley is the status of her three children, all of whom are Ozzy Osbourne's children (Elliot by adoption). Unlike their half-siblings—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne—Thelma's children have largely maintained a low-profile existence, a testament to their mother's influence.

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Elliot Kingsley

Elliot Kingsley is Thelma’s son from a previous relationship, whom Ozzy adopted. He has remained the most private of the three, with very little information available about his current life or career, further emphasizing the family's desire for discretion.

Jessica Osbourne

Jessica Osbourne, born in 1972, is Thelma and Ozzy's daughter. She has pursued a career in the entertainment industry, but primarily behind the scenes. She is known to have worked as an actress, but maintains a very private personal life, rarely making public appearances.

Louis Osbourne

Louis Osbourne, born in 1975, is Thelma and Ozzy's son. He has followed in his father's footsteps to some extent, carving out a successful career as a DJ and music producer. Louis is the most visible of Thelma's children, though he still operates outside the major media spotlight that follows the rest of the Osbourne family. He was notably present for his father's final performance with Black Sabbath in July 2025.

Thelma Riley's Legacy: Choosing Peace Over Fame

The enduring search query "Is Thelma Riley still alive" is not just about her physical status; it’s a reflection of public curiosity about a life lived entirely on her own terms. She represents a rare case of a person who had a front-row seat to the wildest period of rock history but chose to walk away and never look back.

A Model of Dignity and Silence

Thelma Riley has never publicly spoken ill of Ozzy Osbourne or participated in any tell-all interviews, a remarkable feat given the intense media scrutiny that has surrounded the Osbourne family for decades. This silence is widely interpreted as a sign of dignity and a profound respect for her privacy.

Her focus on raising her children and building a stable life as an educator, far from the chaotic life of a touring rock star, is her true legacy. She showed that it is possible to detach completely from the celebrity machine, even when connected to one of the most famous figures in music history.

Current Status: Alive and Well

As of today, December 2025, Thelma Mayfair Riley is alive, healthy, and continues to enjoy the quiet, private life she intentionally built for herself decades ago. While the public's curiosity may never fade, Thelma Riley's story is a powerful reminder that some people value peace and anonymity over the fleeting allure of fame.