Ozzy Osbourne's Death Reportedly 'Unexpected' As Family Had Hope He Would Be Around 'A Lot Longer'

Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

However, sources say his death was "unexpected" for his family and that his loved ones had hoped "he would be around a lot longer."

Ozzy Osbourne, who recently headlined his rock 'n' roll show with his Black Sabbath bandmates, has been battling Parkinson's disease since 2020, rendering him immobile.

According to the Daily Mail, sources close to Ozzy's family revealed his death was "unexpected to be this soon."

However, they confirmed he was blessed with the presence of his wife, Sharon, and their children by his side in his final days at his Buckinghamshire mansion.

His daughters Aimee and Kelly were present to care for him after they flew in from L.A. His son, Jack, had also flown from his home in Idaho to watch the Black Sabbath frontman perform his farewell concert at Villa Park on July 5.

"Ozzy was always meant to come back to Britain to live in Buckinghamshire; it was where Sharon had spent so long preparing their family home for him," a source told the news outlet. "There was much hope that he would be around for a lot longer than this, but at one point, there were fears they would not get him back from Los Angeles for the concert earlier this month."

They continued, "Kelly has been at the house a lot in the last week or so, so has Aimee. It is terribly sad for all of them; they really hoped he would be able to carry on for a bit longer."

"But it's so lovely that he had his children around him during his last days," the insider added.

Ozzy's family made the shocking announcement about his death on Tuesday, revealing that the legend, known as the "Prince of Darkness," has passed away at the age of 76.

In a statement, the family said: "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."

"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis," they added.

Ozzy is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his six children from his two marriages.

In 1971, he married his first wife, Thelma Riley, after meeting her at a nightclub in the U.K. Together, they had two children, Jessica and Louis.

The heavy rock performer also adopted a third child, Elliot, from Riley's previous relationship. The pair eventually divorced in 1982.

After his marriage to Riley ended, he went on to marry Sharon in 1982. At the time, she was working for her father, Don Arden, who had been Black Sabbath's manager when the band fired Ozzy in 1979 due to his substance abuse.

Together, Ozzy and Sharon share three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne.

Tributes from fans and well-wishers continue to pour in for Ozzy following his passing.

A fan wrote, "There will never be another like him. Thank you, Ozzy, for a lifetime of music, madness, and magic. You shaped generations and left a mark on the world that can never be erased. Rest in power, Prince of Darkness."

Another fan stated, "What are the chances... Last show just a week ago. And then he's gone. It's like he knew. The man never fkn stopped rocking, right to the end."

Parkinson's foundation commented: "We're sending our deepest condolences to Ozzy's loved ones. Our team will continue to fight for the Parkinson's community."

Sir Elton John also paid tribute to Ozzy, describing the late rocker as a "huge trailblazer" who "secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods."

He shared on Instagram: "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. 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. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love," John added.