Ozzy Osbourne’s sister Jean Powell has opened up about the rock legend’s final days and the last message he sent to his family. She shared intimate details about their final interactions in a statement to The Mirror.
Powell reflected on seeing her brother during his recent public appearance and the emotional impact of his declining health.
“We saw him in Birmingham the other week when he and the rest of the band were given the freedom of the city,” she said. “It was upsetting because he could not stand up straight, but he was still our John, still cracking the jokes. To us he was our brother, not a celebrity, so it’s crazy to see the outpouring of love since his death was announced.”
Powell emphasized that his passing came as a shock to the family despite his frail condition.
“He was frail but it still came as a shock,” she continued. “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.”
Powell also revealed the contents of Osbourne’s final text message, which came after his performance at Villa Park.
“We last saw him at the concert at Villa Park,” she said. “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.”
The family continues to process the loss while dealing with the overwhelming public response to the music icon’s passing.
Osbourne’s health struggles in recent years had been well-documented. This provided context to his sister’s observations about his frail condition during their final meetings.
Parade reported that Osbourne had been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2019. The progressive neurological disorder significantly affected his mobility and ability to perform. The condition explained the difficulty he experienced standing upright during his final public appearances, as his sister noted.
Hello Magazine noted that Osbourne remained determined to continue performing until the very end despite his health challenges. His voice remained strong throughout his battle with the disease. He was emotionally invested in his final performances with Black Sabbath.
The rock legend’s final show took place just weeks before his passing on July 22, 2025. Sharon Osbourne, his wife, had previously shared insights about his condition. She noted that while Parkinson’s disease is progressive and cannot be stabilized, Ozzy was “very happy to be coming back and very emotional” about his last performances.
The Birmingham ceremony where Powell last saw her brother standing represented a significant moment for the band. They received the freedom of the city – a rare honor that recognized their contribution to music and their hometown. This final public appearance was difficult for the family to witness due to his physical condition. However, it demonstrated Osbourne’s enduring connection to his roots and his determination to honor his commitments despite his declining health.
