Ozzy Osbourne's Retirement Plans Resurface in the Wake of His Death at 76 – Details

Mere months before the rock and roll icon's death, he shared a quiet dream of stepping away from the spotlight — and toward a life of family and peace.

In one of his last interviews, Ozzy Osbourne spoke candidly about his retirement plans, reflecting on life after decades on the road.

The conversation, published in May 2025, offered a rare look at the softer side of the heavy metal legend known as the Prince of Darkness.

Ahead of his Villa Park farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, the rock legend's wife, Sharon Osbourne, revealed that the show would be the last stop before his retirement.

"Yeah. Get some ponies and chickens, and a million dogs. I want to open a dog rescue centre and a horse rescue centre. Scream at the neighbours a couple of times. There you go," she shared.

"I'd love to say 'never say never,' but after the last six years or so…it is time," Ozzy admitted. "I lived on the road for 50-odd years, and I've kind of got used to not picking up my bags and getting on the bus again."

He described becoming more of a homebody and distancing himself from the rock star lifestyle, adding, "I never go out. I never hang out in bars — I don't drink."

The late rock star continued, "But it's time for me to spend some time with my grandkids; I don't want to die in a hotel room somewhere. I want to spend the rest of my life with my family."

That wish was tragically fulfilled just 2 months later. On July 22, 2025, Ozzy's family announced his death on social media. "He was with his family and surrounded by love," read the message signed by Sharon and their children, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.

In light of her father's passing, Kelly shared a heartfelt note on her Instagram stories on July 25, just days after his death. It was her first public comment since the tragic news broke.

Using white letters set on a black background, the actress wrote about her grief and despair. She also shared that he was her "best friend," ending the message with a heartbroken emoji.

This came just three days after the announcement that surprised the world of metal and inspired an outpouring of tributes.

On Tuesday, Kelly, along with her mother and siblings shared a photo on Ozzy's Instagram. They showed the music legend seated on a throne during his farewell concert in Birmingham.

In the caption, they included a statement announcing the Prince of Darkness's passing and how stricken they were by it. They also asked people to respect their family during this time.

While Kelly took her time before saying anything on social media, Sharon has already spoken out, particularly about the tributes offered for her late husband.

Gavin Rossdale shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, posting a photo of Ozzy embracing him. In his caption, he wrote, "RIP OZZY – a great man – a true legend – i met ozzy through jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and i love that memory .sending much love to his family at this difficult time 🖤. Rest in power, [sic]"

Sharon wrote a simple yet striking response to Gavin's post, saying, "Bless you."

BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders also posted a video of himself at a studio, talking about Ozzy on the day of his passing. The radio presenter found out about Ozzy's death on air and paid tribute to him on Instagram by writing:

"As I was on air tonight, the news broke that we had lost one of the greatest showman the world of metal and music has ever seen. The bands and artists that dare to fly the flag in the name of rock n roll do so because Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath did first. He was a blessing to music. Rest In Peace the Prince Of Darkness 🖤[sic]."

Sharon made sure to respond to Jack's touching message, writing, "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, Bless you." However, celebrities aren't the only ones mourning Ozzy's loss. Fans have also shown their support under Sharon's replies.

"@sharonosbourne the whole worlds hearts are with you Queen [sic]," one fan wrote. "@sharonosbourne we mourn with you Sharon [sic]," echoed another. "@sharonosbourne everyone in the community is thinking of you all and reaching through our screens with massive hugs [sic]," a third person commented.

Fans were always important for Ozzy and the family, and in the wake of his passing, his final message to them from the concert in Birmingham attracted renewed attention.

"Let the madness begin!" Ozzy declared to the crowd, before offering a touching acknowledgment to those who had stood by him during years of health struggles:

"I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're all … special. Let's go crazy, come on."

Ozzy powered through several solo tracks before reuniting with his legendary Black Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bassist Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, for a brief but powerful set that closed with "Paranoid."

This is the song that helped define the heavy metal genre. He reflected, "It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

His words echoed through the stadium as fans cheered and the message, "Thank you for everything, you guys are [expletive] amazing. Birmingham Forever," appeared on screen.