On July 22, 2025, the music world lost a legend when Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, passed away at the age of 76. Just two days later, his daughter Kelly Osbourne broke her silence with a poignant tribute that resonated deeply with fans and loved ones alike. In an emotional Instagram Story posted on July 24, Kelly shared lyrics from the Black Sabbath song “Changes,” a track she had once recorded as a duet with her father, writing, “I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had 💔.” This heartfelt message encapsulated the profound bond between Kelly and her father, a relationship that was both personal and public, forged through years of shared experiences in the spotlight.

A Father-Daughter Bond in the Spotlight

Ozzy Osbourne, fondly known as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a towering figure in heavy metal, having pioneered the genre with Black Sabbath in the late 1960s. His larger-than-life persona, marked by wild performances and infamous anecdotes, made him a cultural icon. However, beyond the stage, Ozzy was a family man, a role vividly showcased in the early 2000s MTV reality show The Osbournes. The series brought Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack into living rooms worldwide, revealing a chaotic yet loving household. Kelly, born on October 24, 1984, to Ozzy and Sharon, emerged as a star in her own right, known for her candid personality and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

The father-daughter duo shared a particularly special moment with their 2003 duet of “Changes,” a reimagined version of Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad. Originally written about a breakup, the revised lyrics reflected their close relationship, becoming a No. 1 hit in the UK and marking them as the second father-daughter pair to top the charts, following Frank and Nancy Sinatra. This collaboration was more than a musical achievement; it was a testament to their deep connection, one that Kelly would later draw upon in her grief.

Kelly’s Defense of Her Father’s Legacy

In the weeks leading up to Ozzy’s death, Kelly fiercely defended her father against rumors and misinformation circulating online. On July 11, just 11 days before his passing, she took to Instagram Stories to debunk claims that Ozzy was nearing death due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he had been diagnosed with in 2003 but publicly revealed in 2020. A viral AI-generated video falsely depicted Ozzy saying, “I don’t need a doctor to tell me that I’m going to die. I know I’m going to die,” prompting an impassioned response from Kelly. “What the f–k is wrong with you people?” she exclaimed, clarifying, “He’s not dying. Yes, he has Parkinson’s, and yes, his mobility is completely different than it used to be, but he’s not dying.”

Kelly also addressed rumors of a supposed “suicide pact” between her parents, Ozzy and Sharon, which stemmed from comments Sharon made in 2017 and reiterated in a 2023 episode of The Osbournes Podcast. Sharon had referenced a plan to seek assisted suicide in Switzerland if either faced debilitating illness, but Kelly dismissed these claims as “bulls–t my mom said to get attention one time.” Her fierce protection of her father’s dignity underscored her role as his advocate, a responsibility she took seriously amid his health struggles.

Ozzy’s Final Days and Farewell Performance

Ozzy’s final days were marked by a triumphant return to the stage. On July 5, 2025, he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, his hometown and the birthplace of the band. Dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” the event was a star-studded fundraiser featuring performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Sammy Hagar, among others. Seated on a throne due to his mobility challenges, Ozzy performed with the same passion that defined his career, telling the 42,000 fans in attendance, “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Kelly, who was present at the concert, described the event as “magic” in an emotional Instagram post. “I can’t even write this without tears streaming down my face!” she wrote. “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 goodbye in the most beautiful way!” The concert also marked a personal milestone for Kelly, as her partner, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, proposed to her backstage, with Ozzy playfully interjecting, “F— off, you’re not marrying my daughter!” This lighthearted moment captured Ozzy’s humor and warmth, even in his final days.

According to reports, Ozzy spent his last moments in England, surrounded by family and music, in a place he called home. A source told People that he was “at peace,” a sentiment echoed by the Osbourne family’s statement: “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.” The statement, signed by Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis, did not specify a cause of death, though Ozzy’s Parkinson’s and a 2019 spinal injury from an ATV accident had significantly impacted his health.

Tributes from Family, Friends, and Fans

Kelly’s tribute was one of many that poured in following Ozzy’s passing. Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi wrote, “I can’t really find the words… we’ve lost our brother.” Bassist Geezer Butler reflected on their shared history, saying, “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. Four kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh?” Drummer Bill Ward shared a photo of the band, while Metallica posted a broken heart emoji alongside an image with Ozzy. Celebrities like Elton John, who called him “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer,” and Queen’s Brian May, who praised his “fearless talent,” also paid their respects.

Fans, too, expressed their grief, leaving flowers and messages outside Ozzy’s Buckinghamshire home and creating makeshift memorials near a mural of the rocker in Birmingham. Some fans got commemorative tattoos after the farewell concert, a testament to Ozzy’s enduring impact. Even PETA issued a tribute, highlighting Ozzy’s advocacy against animal cruelty, though some criticized the organization due to his infamous bat-biting incident. Kelly’s tribute, however, stood out for its raw emotion, reflecting a personal loss that transcended her father’s public persona.

Kelly’s Role in Ozzy’s Life and Legacy

Kelly’s relationship with her father was not without challenges, but it was defined by mutual support. Ozzy credited Kelly with helping him navigate his Parkinson’s diagnosis, recalling in 2020, “She’s the one! If it wasn’t for her I’d be still lying up on the couch.” Kelly, in turn, found purpose in making her father smile, often encouraging him to return to the studio. “The only thing I know when it comes to my dad is what can I do to make him happy,” she said. This dynamic was evident in their shared moments, from The Osbournes to their chart-topping duet.

In October 2024, Kelly spoke to Us Weekly about her fear of losing a parent, saying, “My biggest fear is losing a member of my family because we are such a unit and so close that we’re nothing without the other.” Her words proved prophetic, as the pain of losing Ozzy was palpable in her tribute. Fans responded with an outpouring of sympathy, with one writing, “I can’t imagine how much her heart and soul are hurting,” and another noting, “They have been on my mind all day… it was obvious how close they all were.”

A Lasting Legacy

Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is vast, spanning his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath, his successful solo career, and his role as a beloved family man. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Black Sabbath and once as a solo artist—he leaves behind a discography that includes classics like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “Crazy Train.” His final album, Patient Number 9, and his memoir, Last Rites, set for release on October 7, 2025, serve as fitting bookends to a storied career.

For Kelly, Ozzy was more than a rock legend; he was her best friend, a source of strength, and a partner in music and life. Her tribute, steeped in the lyrics of “Changes,” is a reminder of the personal side of a public figure, a man who, despite his struggles, left an indelible mark on the world and those closest to him. As the Osbourne family navigates this profound loss, Kelly’s words echo the sentiment of fans worldwide: Ozzy Osbourne was, and will always be, one of a kind.