Ozzy Osbourne’s lesser-known children have paid their quiet respects following the legendary rocker’s death, despite being left out of the official family tribute. The late Black Sabbath frontman passed away at 76 this week, and while the well-known Osbourne clan publicly mourned him, Ozzy’s older children from his first marriage have chosen a more subtle route to honor their father’s legacy.
Silent Tributes from Ozzy’s Older Children
Ozzy’s children with his first wife, Thelma Riley—Louis, 50, and Jessica—have made understated gestures of remembrance. Louis updated his Facebook profile picture to a somber black square, a common symbol of mourning, while Jessica shared a simple “RIP Ozzy” repost of a tribute from TV personality Mario Lopez. The quiet nature of their tribute contrasts sharply with the public statements made by Ozzy’s family with Sharon Osbourne, from whom Louis and Jessica were notably excluded.
Jessica has previously spoken about their complicated childhood, describing Ozzy’s frequent absences during her early years and the challenges in maintaining a relationship with their famous father. This background adds nuance to the subdued manner in which they have chosen to honor his passing.
The Public Family’s Official Tribute and Exclusions
Following Ozzy’s death, the Osbourne family released a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow, mentioning that he had passed surrounded by family and love. Significantly, the statement was signed by Sharon Osbourne and the children she raised with Ozzy—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack—alongside Louis, but Jessica was left out of this acknowledgment entirely. This decision has fueled speculation about family dynamics and divisions that may have lingered beneath the surface.
Despite his health struggles with Parkinson’s disease and spinal injury leading up to his death, Ozzy continued to perform, marking his final musical act with Black Sabbath at England’s Villa Park Stadium earlier this month. His lasting impact on rock music remains unquestioned, though the private family tensions casting a shadow over his legacy highlight the complexities behind the public persona.
Complex Family Dynamics Underlying the Tribute
The silence and omission of Ozzy’s older children from public family tributes expose deeper fractures within the Osbourne family. While Sharon Osbourne’s clan has dominated media narratives, Louis and Jessica’s restrained gestures serve as a quiet but poignant reminder of the family branches often ignored by the spotlight. Their tribute, though understated, honors the man behind the myth in a personal way.
As fans continue to celebrate Ozzy Osbourne’s immense contribution to music, the quiet homage paid by his secret children adds a human dimension to the story. It underscores the complexity of family relationships for public figures and reminds us that even the most legendary lives are woven with private struggles and unspoken emotions.