In a heartfelt statement, Republican political strategist Karoline Leavitt expressed deep sorrow following the death of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. The “Prince of Darkness,” famed as the frontman for Black Sabbath and a solo music powerhouse, died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and close family—prompting an outpouring of grief across politics, music, and global pop culture.

Rock’s Royalty: Ozzy’s Farewell and Final Days

Ozzy’s passing came just weeks after his legendary farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, his hometown. The event reunited Black Sabbath’s original lineup—with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in twenty years. It was a star-studded farewell, featuring guest performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, and more, with proceeds going to Parkinson’s research and local charities.

Despite living with debilitating health challenges—including Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2020, multiple spinal surgeries stemming from a serious ATV crash in 2003, a traumatic fall in 2019, and bouts of pneumonia—Ozzy showed up defiantly. Seated on a gothic throne due to mobility issues, he delivered a five‑song set, closing with “Paranoid” and stating, “You have no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart” .

Ozzy’s final days, spent at his Buckinghamshire home, were reportedly peaceful and surrounded by music and family—including Sharon, daughters Aimee and Kelly, sons Jack, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot—after a long health odyssey.

What Led to Ozzy’s Passing?

While the Osbourne family did not list an official cause of death, medical experts and chroniclers point to complications from Ozzy’s advanced health issues. His Parkinson’s had severely limited mobility and speech, and the degenerative effects of multiple spinal injuries exacerbated his condition. Notably, a serious ATV accident in 2003 broke his collarbone, ribs, and vertebrae, followed by further deterioration after a fall in 2019 that required additional surgeries—leaving him partially paralyzed and enduring chronic pain.

He also battled COPD, contracted COVID-19 in 2022, and was diagnosed with a spinal tumour in 2023. Experts agree the cumulative impact likely overwhelmed his body. “He has endured five years of absolute hell,” one news outlet noted .

Global Tributes to a Heavy Metal Pioneer

Following the announcement, tributes poured in worldwide. Icons like Elton John, Rod Stewart, Metallica, and Gene Simmons lamented the loss. The UK government echoed the sentiment: Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood described him as “one of the greatest gifts my city gave the world”. The Black Sabbath account simply posted, “Ozzy Forever.” Sky News remarked on his bittersweet final goodbye, highlighting that the farewell concert was both a celebration and a living funeral.

Who Is Karoline Leavitt—and Why Her Condolences Matter

Karoline Leavitt, an emerging figure in Republican politics known for her roles in House campaigns and the Trump administration, released a statement through her communications team:

“Our condolences go to the Osbourne family and all of rock music’s millions of fans. Ozzy was an icon whose influence transcended genres and generations. Though his music was loud and rebellious, his passing leaves a silence in the cultural world far louder than any guitar riff.”

Leavitt’s tribute underscores Ozzy’s cross-cultural appeal—bridging politics, media, and music. Her acknowledgment highlights how figures outside the entertainment sphere recognize his significance and the shared human impact of his loss.

Ozzy’s Enduring Legacy

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy rose from humble beginnings to spearhead heavy metal with Black Sabbath. Their 1970 debut album and tracks like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” redefined rock music with dark, powerful riffs that spoke to working‑class dissent.

After departing Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance issues, Ozzy launched a critically acclaimed solo career with albums like Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, and Crazy Train. He sold over 100 million records worldwide, won five Grammys, and earned dual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions—with Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024.

His legacy extended into pop culture with MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–2005), showcasing his family life and transforming his image from shock‑rocker to beloved patriarch.

A Moment That Surpassed Words

Ozzy’s voice—both literally and culturally—defined heavy metal. He expanded what music could express, while his public struggles with addiction and health struggles revealed vulnerability behind the spectacle. He once reflected, “I’m not the Antichrist. I am a family man”—a stark contrast to his on‑stage persona.

The Final Bow: Farewell Concert as a “Living Wake”

The July 5 concert was described not just as his last show but as a communal farewell—what some media dubbed a “living wake.” It celebrated both his life and legacy, uniting fans and fellow musicians in a cathartic tribute. The event also raised millions for charity, including Parkinson’s and children’s hospitals.

What Was the Official Cause of Death?

While the family avoided specifics, experts agree that complications from Parkinson’s, longstanding spinal injuries, and related respiratory or neurological issues were the primary drivers. They describe a “cumulative fatal decline,” exacerbated by years of surgeries, chronic pain, and disease progression.

What Comes Next?

A public memorial in Birmingham is expected, with plans already underway by local authorities and Black Sabbath’s team. Fans worldwide continue to share stories and songs, reaffirming Ozzy’s influence across generations and cultures.

In Summary

What happened? Ozzy Osbourne died peacefully on July 22, 2025, at age 76, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and spinal injuries.

Final public act: His dramatic last performance on July 5 at Birmingham’s Villa Park, under the banner “Back to the Beginning,” united fans and legends in a final reverent tribute.

Why did he die? While no official cause was given, doctors cite cumulative effects from neurological disease, surgeries, and age-related health decline.

Who paid tribute? Global icons from music (Elton John, Metallica), politics (Karoline Leavitt), and Birmingham civic leaders.

Legacy scorecard: Pioneer of heavy metal, solo star, reality-TV figure, father of Ozzfest, and cultural symbol of transformation from chaos to family man.

Why This Matters

Ozzy’s passing marks the end of an era in rock history—and of a life lived loudly, fiercely, and without compromise. From rebellious icon to beloved elder statesman, his journey mirrors broader changes in music and media. Karoline Leavitt’s tribute from the political realm underscores how Ozzy’s voice—metaphorical and literal—transcended entertainment to touch hearts globally. As tributes continue to flow, his story of resilience reminds us that true legacy endures beyond the final note.