Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne has died. He was 76.
His family announced the news on Tuesday, in a statement reading, “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.”
His death comes after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, but didn’t come out with it publicly until 2020, before retiring from the stage. He reunited with Black Sabbath earlier this month for what was billed as his final performance with the band. It was his first performance with the group in 20 years.
In addition to his battle with Parkinson’s, which left him unable to walk, he also suffered from pneumonia and a fall in 2019 that left him in need of neck surgery.
Osbourne is survived by his wife and the couple’s three children, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Aimee — as well as his children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, son Louis and daughter Jessica. He also adopted Riley’s son Elliot when they were married.
While their marriage was marked by substance abuse and infidelity, Sharon — who worked as his manager — stayed by his side until the end, tying the knot in 1982 and renewing their vows in 2017.
Dubbed the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne helped launch Black Sabbath in the 1968, alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. The band went on to win two Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, with hits including “Paranoid,” “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” Osbourne, however, was booted from the group in 1979.
Osbourne, of course, also had an incredibly successful solo career, for which he also won five Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame … the latter happening just last year.
He helped his whole family rise to fame in 2002, when they launched The Osbournes reality show on MTV. The series was a massive success, running for four seasons and introducing the entire world to Sharon, Jack and Kelly.
