Ozzy Osbourne's sisters have opened up about his death, revealing the final text that he sent them before tragically passing away.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, who passed away on Tuesday this week at the age of 76, died surrounded by family. In a public statement, the Osbourne family wrote: “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. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time. — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Among those feeling the weight of the loss are Ozzy’s two older sisters, Jean Powell, 85, and Gillian Hemming, 80, who spoke openly about their grief and pride.
“We saw him in Birmingham the other week when he and the rest of the band were given the freedom of the city,” Jean recalled to the Mirror. “It was upsetting because he could not stand up straight, but he was still our John, still cracking the jokes.”
They spent the night after his death reminiscing about their younger brother. “To us he was our brother, not a celebrity, so it’s crazy to see the outpouring of love since his death was announced,” Jean said.
“We just can’t believe he is gone and we won’t be getting another phone call or text from him. Every week without fail he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on.”
Jean added: “Of the six siblings there’s only three of us left now - me, Gillian and our brother Paul.”
For the sisters, their memories of “Our John” are vivid and full of humor. “He was frail but it still came as a shock,” Jean said. “He still had plans and things he wanted to do. We don’t know the details of his death, it’s still too early. It’s just so sad. I’m just thankful he died in England.”
Recalling his last performance, Jean shared: “We last saw him at the concert at Villa Park. I got a text off him as he drove down Lodge Road, where we used to live near the stadium. He said he couldn’t believe all the crowds were walking down our old street to watch him perform. He was blown away.
“We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John I just broke down,” she added.
Gillian said: “We were proud as punch about him and everything he achieved. But it never went to his head. What the public saw of John was exactly what he was like in real life. It wasn’t an act.”
Jean echoed the sentiment: “He was just our John. He used to make us laugh all the time. That’s what I’ll always remember.”