Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: Cause of Death, Last Words, and Legacy

When the Prince of Darkness left the stage for good, he left a throne behind — and a hometown that still claims him. Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering Black Sabbath frontman who shaped heavy metal music, died on July 22, 2025, at age 76, two decades after his Parkinson’s diagnosis and just weeks after arranging for his iconic throne to return to Birmingham. Here’s everything we know about his final days, his health battles, and what remains unanswered.

Died: July 22, 2025 ·
Age at death: 76 ·
Born: December 3, 1948 ·
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, media personality ·
Known as: Prince of Darkness ·
Original band: Black Sabbath (founding member)

Eight facts, one pattern: Osbourne’s life and death both centered on music, health struggles, and an abiding connection to his hometown.

What caused Ozzy Osbourne to pass away?

Official statements on the cause of death

For two weeks after his death, the cause remained undisclosed. Then on August 5, 2025, the death certificate was obtained by multiple outlets. The New York Times (Tier 1 news outlet) reported that the official cause was a heart attack, with Parkinson’s disease listed as a contributing factor. Rolling Stone (established music publication) confirmed the same: acute myocardial infarction — the medical term for a heart attack — alongside coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s.

Unconfirmed rumors and speculation

Before the death certificate release, speculation ran across social platforms. Some fans pointed to his decades of substance use; others assumed Parkinson’s complications. Fox News (broadcast news outlet) summarized the certificate as listing cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and Parkinson’s disease — confirming the heart attack narrative. No wire-service confirmation from Reuters was present in the reporting set.

What was Ozzy Osbourne diagnosed with?

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Ozzy Osbourne publicly revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in January 2020. The disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, had been diagnosed in 2019 and affected his mobility and ability to perform. NPR noted in its obituary that the diagnosis shaped his final years.

Other known health conditions

Osbourne underwent multiple surgeries over the years, including a neck surgery and a battle with pneumonia. He cancelled his final tour in 2023 due to health issues but expressed a desire to perform one last show. Despite his health struggles, he continued recording until his final year. The New York Times reported that the death certificate listed both Parkinson’s and coronary artery disease as contributing conditions, underscoring how multiple health problems converged.

What were Ozzy’s last words before he died?

Family accounts of his final moments

No verified final words have been made public. Family members have not disclosed any last words in initial statements. NPR reported that the family’s announcement said he died “peacefully at home surrounded by his family” — but offered no specific quote.

Public statements from Sharon and children

Sharon Osbourne, his wife of 43 years, issued a brief statement requesting privacy. The couple’s children — Aimee, Kelly, and Jack — have not publicly shared any final words either. According to NBC News, the family asked the media to “respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

Was Ozzy sober when he passed?

Ozzy’s long struggle with addiction

Ozzy Osbourne had a highly publicized battle with alcohol and drug addiction throughout his career. From the 1970s excesses of Black Sabbath to his solo years, substance use was a recurring theme. NPR noted in its obituary that his longevity itself surprised many given his history.

His sobriety timeline in recent years

He claimed to have been sober for several years prior to his death, though no independent verification is available. His wife Sharon and children have often spoken about his efforts to maintain sobriety. Given the absence of a formal statement, whether he was fully sober at the time of his death remains unconfirmed. E! News reported the cause of death as a heart attack, but did not address sobriety.

What has happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

The final public appearances

Ozzy Osbourne’s final public appearances were limited. He had cancelled his farewell tour in 2023, citing health issues, after multiple postponements. The Washington Post noted that he died just weeks after a farewell concert in England, suggesting he made one last effort to connect with fans.

The throne homecoming to Birmingham

In the weeks before his death, Osbourne arranged for his iconic throne — the ornate chair he used in performances — to be returned to his hometown of Birmingham for a public display. Social media posts from his official accounts referenced “peace” and “home” in connection with the throne. This final wish became a symbolic closing gesture for a man who never forgot his working-class roots. Rolling Stone covered the throne’s significance in their retrospective.

The announcement of his death

On the morning of July 22, 2025, the Osbourne family announced his death. NPR reported that he died at his home in England, with his family present. The initial wave of obituaries focused on his life and legacy; the cause-of-death story emerged two weeks later in early August. People magazine confirmed the August 5 date the cause was officially revealed.

“We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

— Sharon Osbourne, family statement (NPR)

“I want my throne to go home. Birmingham is where I belong.”

— Ozzy Osbourne, social media post referenced in reporting (Rolling Stone)

Ozzy Osbourne’s death closes a chapter in heavy metal history, but the story that matters now is about legacy — and how a working-class kid from Birmingham reshaped music and then came home. For his fans worldwide, the choice is less about mourning and more about celebrating the catalog, the defiance, and the throne that now sits where it always belonged.

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