Following the confirmed passing of legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76, Lisa Stelly — the former wife of Jack Osbourne and mother to three of Ozzy’s grandchildren — took to Instagram to share a deeply emotional tribute. The post, which featured rare and never-before-seen family photos, offered a tender glimpse into the rock star’s role as a devoted grandfather, far removed from his public image as a music icon.
The tribute quickly drew widespread attention online, not only for its emotional depth but also for its use of Ozzy Osbourne’s 1995 ballad “See You on the Other Side,” a song often associated with reflection and farewells. The caption “Love you, Papa,” accompanied the post, highlighting the family’s personal loss and the strong bond Ozzy maintained with his grandchildren.
A Personal Look at Ozzy Osbourne’s Life Off Stage
Ozzy Osbourne, best known as the frontman of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath and for his solo career, was also a father and grandfather who valued family. Lisa Stelly’s tribute aimed to show a side of him rarely seen by the public — one of warmth, playfulness, and love for his family. The images shared included candid moments of Ozzy on private flights with his grandchildren, spending time with them at home, and embracing the quiet joys of family life.
These personal snapshots contrasted sharply with Ozzy’s often edgy public persona, presenting a man who, despite decades of global fame and demanding tours, cherished time with his loved ones. Family members and fans alike expressed their gratitude for this glimpse into his private life.
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: A Cultural and Musical Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne’s death was officially confirmed by his family on July 22, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife Sharon, their children, and extended family. The announcement marked the end of an era for the music world. Osbourne’s contributions to rock and heavy metal stretched over five decades, earning him accolades including Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath, and the title “Godfather of Heavy Metal.”
Beyond music, Osbourne became a household name through the MTV reality series The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005 and offered a humorous and sometimes chaotic look at the family’s everyday life. The show helped humanize Ozzy, showing his softer, more comedic side — a legacy that Lisa Stelly’s tribute built upon by portraying him as a loving and present grandfather.
Lisa Stelly’s Tribute: Emotional But Grounded
Lisa Stelly, who was married to Jack Osbourne from 2012 to 2019, shares three daughters with him. Her Instagram post included heartfelt photos and clips that captured Ozzy’s interactions with the children. Though not including speculative commentary, the tribute centered on appreciation and remembrance, reflecting a genuine sense of loss and honoring the personal impact Ozzy had on his family.
The tribute’s background music — “See You on the Other Side” — is one of Ozzy’s most well-known solo songs. Released in 1995 on the Ozzmosis album, the track explores themes of separation, memory, and longing. In the context of the tribute, the song served as a powerful musical farewell, resonating with fans who have followed his career for decades.
A Public Reaction Marked by Grief and Gratitude
Following the post, thousands of fans and fellow public figures left messages of support, offering condolences and sharing their own memories of Ozzy Osbourne. The comments included expressions of gratitude for Lisa Stelly’s choice to share these intimate moments, which helped personalize the loss felt by many around the world.
Media outlets also acknowledged the tribute as a meaningful gesture, noting that it captured not only a public farewell to a music legend but also the private grief of a family mourning a loved one. The widespread resonance of the post was a reflection of Ozzy’s broad influence — from his musical legacy to his role in shaping pop culture through television and family visibility.
Family’s Role in Honoring Ozzy’s Legacy
The Osbourne family has long maintained a public presence, and many members have taken part in honoring Ozzy’s memory following his death. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of over four decades, released a statement emphasizing his contributions to music and his role as a devoted husband and father. Jack Osbourne, their son, also expressed admiration and sadness over the loss of his father.
Lisa Stelly’s tribute stood out as a deeply personal contribution, offering insight into Ozzy’s later years, particularly his role as a grandfather. In an age where public figures often become defined by their careers alone, tributes like this one help complete the picture, offering a more nuanced understanding of the person behind the fame.
Reflecting on Ozzy’s Final Years
In recent years, Ozzy Osbourne had been open about his health challenges, including his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease and other age-related complications. Despite these issues, he continued to engage with fans and remained active in the music industry when possible. He released Patient Number 9, a Grammy-winning album in 2022, and remained a vocal advocate for mental health and resilience.
His openness about his health, combined with his longstanding dedication to family, resonated with fans who saw in him a model of perseverance and authenticity. As he stepped away from public life, he prioritized family, spending more time at home and with loved ones. These private moments, some of which were shared in Lisa Stelly’s tribute, marked a peaceful chapter in an otherwise fast-paced life.
Conclusion: Honoring a Multifaceted Life
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in music history. Known for his boundary-pushing artistry and larger-than-life stage presence, he also left behind a legacy as a family man who cared deeply for his children and grandchildren. Lisa Stelly’s emotional tribute offers a poignant reminder that even icons are, at their core, deeply human — shaped by love, family, and connection.
By sharing these rare family moments, Stelly helped fans around the world remember Ozzy not just as a rock legend, but also as “Papa” — a grandfather whose legacy will continue through the generations he touched. As tributes continue to pour in from around the globe, Ozzy Osbourne will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking music but also for the lasting bonds he built with those closest to him
