Ozzy Osbourne's Long Struggle with Poor Health Before His Passing at 76

Ozzy Osbourne's Final Years and Health Struggles

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, faced significant health challenges throughout his life. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, he continued to work despite the difficulties that came with his condition. His health had been fragile for years before his passing on July 22 at the age of 76.

A source close to the family revealed that moving back to England with his wife, Sharon Osbourne, was a major goal for them. "Sharon had wanted to move back to England for years, especially as she got older. England was always home for them, but it became more than that," the source said. "It was about creating peace and the best life possible together in their final chapter."

The move to Buckinghamshire in 2023 was described as a gift, giving them a year and a half together at home. "Ozzy’s final days were spent in England, surrounded by family, music, and in the place he called home. He was in peace," the source shared.

Osbourne was open about his health journey over the years, particularly regarding Parkinson’s. In 2019, he suffered an injury from an ATV accident that had occurred 16 years earlier, which aggravated damage to his neck and back. He underwent surgery and later required two more procedures.

In January 2020, he spoke publicly about his diagnosis for the first time during an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. "I was diagnosed in 2003, but it wasn't a 'death sentence,'" he said. "This last year has been hell for me. I’ve had surgery on my neck. I’ve announced to the world that I’ve got Parkinson’s. It’s been one rock ‘n’ roll year for me."

At the time, he was seen walking with a cane on CBS’s Grammy Red Carpet Live pre-show. "I’m having physical therapy every day, five days a week. I’m trying, doing the best I can. Neck surgery’s not easy," he added.

In September 2022, Osbourne told a source that his health setbacks had "been a nightmare." "That's the only thing that reminds me I'm getting older: things going wrong and not working anymore," he said. "But I still feel young at heart."

He remained determined to return to the stage, even if it meant being "nailed to a board and wheeled on." "Survival is my legacy," he declared.

Most recently, in February 2025, Osbourne shared on his SiriusXM radio show that he could no longer walk. "I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive," he said. "I may be moaning that I can’t walk, but I look down the road and there’s someone who didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it," he added.

On July 5, Osbourne performed what would be his final concert with Black Sabbath in England, playing atop a throne. "That show meant everything," the source said. "It brought his career full circle."

The Osbourne family announced his death on July 22 in a 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," the statement read. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."