Loose Women star Jane Moore has shared her final meeting with close friend Ozzy Osbourne, who died on Tuesday at the age of 76. The 63-year-old journalist appeared on the ITV lunchtime show via video link from her holiday in France, describing her shock at the news.
Moore revealed she attended Osbourne's farewell concert with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in Birmingham just over two weeks ago. She said: 'It was an incredible shock. I'm on holiday out in France and I first got a call mid-afternoon. To be honest, I didn't believe it. Ozzy has been subject to so many online hoaxes about his death over the years so I just thought it was another one.'
Moore explained that Osbourne, who had Parkinson's disease and used a wheelchair, performed four solo songs and four with Black Sabbath while seated. She visited him backstage before the gig, saying: 'Sharon took me to see him in his dressing room just before he went on stage and he was nervous because it was his home town and his home crowd but it was an unqualified success.'
Reflecting on his mental state, Moore said: 'It's incredibly sad because mentally, he was still there.' She recalled moving in with the Osbourne family while ghostwriting Sharon Osbourne's memoir, where she would have early morning chats with the rock star. 'I'd wake up very early in the morning... but Ozzy used to get up really early to talk to me... he was pleased to have someone to chat with, and he had so many funny stories,' she said.
Moore also spoke about the couple's dedication to each other, noting that Sharon had described them as 'co-dependent'. A family statement announcing his death read: '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.'
