The world lost a true icon on July 22, when Ozzy Osbourne—the legendary “Prince of Darkness” and father of heavy metal—passed away at age 76. But for Jack Osbourne, Ozzy was more than a global superstar. He was “Dad.” And now, in a moving social media tribute, Jack is letting fans see the softer, more personal side of the man behind the music, sharing never-before-seen family moments that are melting hearts around the globe.

A Son’s Silence Turns to Tribute

It took Jack Osbourne two weeks to find the words. “I haven’t really wanted to post anything since the passing of my father. My heart has hurt too much,” he admitted in his emotional Instagram post on August 6. But when he finally broke his silence, it wasn’t with a press release or a red carpet interview. Instead, Jack let fans into his world with a video compilation of precious family memories—clips and photos of his childhood with Ozzy, and intimate, unseen moments of the rock legend as a loving grandfather.

“He was so many things to so many people,” Jack wrote, “but I was so lucky and blessed to be part of a very small group that got to call him ‘Dad.’ My heart is full of so much sadness and sorrow, but also so much love and gratitude.”

Jack’s words were brief—just as Ozzy would have wanted. “He certainly hated long rambling speeches,” Jack joked. But every sentence was packed with love. “I got 14,501 days with that man and I know that is such a blessing.”

A Life Lived Loudly—And Fully

To capture his father’s spirit, Jack turned to a quote from the legendary writer Hunter S. Thompson:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body…but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’”

“That was my dad,” Jack wrote. “He lived and he lived his life fully. I love you dad.”

The post was accompanied by a touching video montage. Fans saw Ozzy not as a wild man onstage, but as a doting grandfather with Jack’s children—Pearl, 13, Andy, 10, Minnie, 7, and Maple, 3. There were sweet throwbacks of Jack growing up with Ozzy, and a recent backstage shot with Ozzy and Sharon, his wife of more than 40 years, at Black Sabbath’s final show.

A Family’s Private Grief, Shared Publicly

The Osbourne family’s statement after Ozzy’s passing was simple but devastating:
“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 privacy at this time.”

Yet even as they grieved, the Osbournes chose to let fans in. Jack’s Instagram post came just days after the family attended an emotional funeral procession for Ozzy in Birmingham, England—his hometown and the birthplace of heavy metal.

A Final Bow in Birmingham

Ozzy’s last public performance was as memorable as his first. On July 5, just weeks before his death, he took the stage in Birmingham for Black Sabbath’s farewell concert. Despite years of health struggles—including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2003—Ozzy performed from a throne, refusing to let illness dim his legendary stage presence.

The outpouring of love from fans was immediate and overwhelming. From Birmingham to Los Angeles, tributes poured in for the man whose music defined a generation. But it was Jack’s deeply personal tribute that struck the strongest chord.

The Osbournes: More Than a Reality Show

Jack, the youngest child of Ozzy and Sharon, grew up in the public eye. Alongside sisters Kelly and Aimee, he starred in the MTV reality show “The Osbournes” from 2002 to 2005. The show turned the family into pop culture royalty—and gave fans a glimpse of the chaos, humor, and love that defined their home life.

These days, Jack is a father of four, often sharing nostalgic clips from the series on social media. In April 2024, he told PEOPLE that watching the show with his daughters was a humbling experience. “They said it was the cringiest thing they’ve ever seen,” Jack laughed. “They’d say, ‘Dad, you’re so cringe.’”

But beneath the laughter is a deep, enduring bond. In June, Jack posted a Father’s Day tribute to Ozzy: “Happy Father’s Day to the man of many hats and a jack of all trades—thank you for being everything, exactly when it’s needed.”

A Legacy Beyond Music

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence stretched far beyond the stage. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. In Jack’s video tribute, fans saw Ozzy’s playful side—reading stories, sharing meals, and laughing with his grandkids. These quiet moments, rarely seen by the public, revealed a man whose greatest joy was his family.

Less than two weeks before his passing, Jack posted a selfie with his parents backstage at Black Sabbath’s farewell show. “Necessary,” he captioned the photo—a simple word that spoke volumes about the importance of family, even in the spotlight of fame.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

Ozzy’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on—in his music, in his fans, and, most of all, in his family. Jack’s tribute reminds us that even legends are, at heart, parents and grandparents who cherish the same small moments we all do.

As fans around the world mourn Ozzy’s passing, Jack’s words offer comfort: “I got 14,501 days with that man and I know that is such a blessing.” For the Osbournes, and for millions of fans, Ozzy’s ride was wild, loud, and unforgettable.

Why This Story Resonates

In an age of curated celebrity, Jack Osbourne’s openness is a breath of fresh air. By sharing real, unfiltered memories, he honors his father’s legacy in the most meaningful way possible. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every superstar is a family, a story, and a love that endures.

Ozzy Osbourne’s journey may have ended, but his music—and his memory—will live on, one family moment at a time.