The Osbourne family confirmed the passing of trailblazing Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76.
The legendary heavy metal singer’s family expressed their grief in a statement given to NBC News on July 22nd.
“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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” the statement read.
The statement was signed by the singer’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Aimee Osbourne. Louis Osbourne, his son with his ex-wife, Thelma Riley, also signed the statement.
Osbourne’s other children — Elliot Kingsley and Jessica Starshine Osbourne — from his first marriage to Riley did not sign the statement.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death was reportedly unexpected. According to the Daily Mail, sources close to Ozzy’s family revealed his death was “unexpected to be this soon.”
The singer’s longtime Black Sabbath bandmates issued their own statement, writing briefly: “Ozzy Forever.”
No further information regarding the singer’s death has been provided at this time.
Two weeks before Ozzy Osbourne’s death, his daughter Kelly Osbourne shared a tribute to her father with a post on Instagram. The post included images and video of his final performance on stage, one she described as a chance for him to say goodbye “in the most beautiful way.”
“To say that yesterday was magic was an understatement! I can’t even write this without tears streaming down my face! Thank you to everyone who came to support my dad. Thank you to the fans who without we are nothing! My dad got his moment in the sun! He was able to say thank you and good bye in the most beautiful way!”
Elton John posted on Instagram, “He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.”
Another British singer with a distinctive voice and offbeat sense of humor, Rod Stewart, also weighed in with condolences. He wrote, “Bye, bye Ozzy. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.”
Osbourne leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and their children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack, as well his two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and grandchildren.
