The rock legend, who died at 76, leaned on his wife and kids through fame, addiction, and illness—meet the Osbourne family
The music world is mourning Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath legend who passed away today at 76. While fans remember the “Prince of Darkness” for his groundbreaking music and wild antics, those closest to him – his wife Sharon and six children – are remembering the devoted family man behind the rock god persona.
Sharon Osbourne: The Steel Behind the Star
Sharon, 72, was more than just Ozzy’s wife of 43 years – she was his manager, savior, and “rock” (as Ozzy often called her). Their unlikely love story began when Sharon, daughter of music mogul Don Arden, took over managing Ozzy’s solo career in the early 1980s.
Their marriage survived multiple affairs, Ozzy’s near-fatal addictions, and even a brief separation in 2016. “We’ve been through hell and back,” Sharon once told Rolling Stone. “But I could never quit him – the real Ozzy was worth fighting for.”
The Osbourne Children: A Mix of Fame and Privacy
Ozzy’s legacy lives on through his six children from two marriages:
With Sharon (married 1982-present):
- Aimee, 41: The rebellious eldest who refused to appear on MTV’s The Osbournes, calling it “a circus.” She’s now an indie musician.
- Kelly, 39: The breakout star of The Osbournes who became a TV personality and singer.
- Jack, 38: Overcame childhood cancer to become a filmmaker and reality TV producer.
With first wife Thelma Riley (married 1971-1982):
- Jessica, 52: Lived quietly out of the spotlight, rarely giving interviews.
- Louis, 50: Reportedly works in music production but avoids media attention.
- Elliot, 54: Ozzy’s adopted son from Thelma’s previous relationship; maintains complete privacy.
A Family United in Grief
The Osbourne family released a heartbreaking statement today: “Our beloved Ozzy passed peacefully surrounded by family. We ask for privacy during this impossible time.”
Fans have been leaving flowers at the Osbourne home in Los Angeles, while celebrities like Post Malone and Dave Grohl have already begun paying tribute to the metal icon. Kelly Osbourne posted a childhood photo with her father captioned simply: “My hero. My heart is broken.”
The Osbourne Legacy
From Black Sabbath’s first chords in 1968 to MTV’s The Osbournes in 2002, Ozzy’s family was always his anchor. “Without Sharon and the kids, I’d have died in the 80s,” Ozzy admitted in his memoir. Now, as the world says goodbye to rock’s ultimate wild child, it’s his family who will carry forward the Osbourne name – and the memories of the man they called husband and dad.