Kelly Osbourne gave an emotional and tearful television interview this week, her first since the death of her legendary father, rock icon Ozzy Osbourne. The poignant appearance on BBC Breakfast coincided with the city of Birmingham posthumously honouring the Black Sabbath frontman with its highest civic award on what would have been his 77th birthday.
A City Pays Tribute to Its Legendary Son
On Wednesday, Birmingham formally recognised its most famous rock star by awarding Ozzy Osbourne the Lord Mayor's Award. The honour was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Kelly, who was presented with the award by Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood. The ceremony took place on 3 December, which marked Ozzy's 77th birthday, a little over four months after his passing.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Sidwell in a pre-recorded segment, Kelly became visibly emotional. She emphasised how much the recognition from his hometown meant to her father's legacy. "The fact that he has been recognised in such a way means so much to us because he loved this city, he loved Birmingham, he was a true Brummie through and through," she said, fighting back tears. "And to be recognised, as I say, in such a way is just, it's incredible."
"I've Never Ever Felt Anything Like Grief"
During the raw and candid interview, Kelly Osbourne opened up about the profound impact of losing her father. Ozzy Osbourne tragically passed away on 22 July at the age of 76, having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. The family's statement at the time requested privacy, signed by his wife Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.
Kelly described the experience of grief as "horrific," breaking down as she confessed, "I've never ever felt anything like grief. I never realised that you could love someone so much." She reflected on her father's final months, noting his determination to perform one last time for his legions of fans.
"He worked so hard to do what he wanted to do most in this world and that was perform one more time and then he was ready to go," she shared. "He made a mark on this planet that will never be erased."
The Final Bow at Villa Park
Kelly recalled her father's triumphant final concert with Black Sabbath at Birmingham's Villa Park stadium in July, just streets away from where he was born in Aston. Fans from across the globe descended on the city for the historic event.
She revealed a touching and humble reaction from Ozzy after the monumental show. "I can tell you what he said afterwards. He turned around to my mum and he said, 'I didn't realise people liked me that much.' He was the boy from Aston the entire time. He never realised just how incredible he really was," Kelly said.
She concluded with pride, stating, "He went out doing what he loved most in this world and what he wanted to do before he left this planet was say thank you to his fans and have one more show and boy did he give one hell of a show." The interview served as a powerful testament to a global superstar remembered by his family as a beloved father and a loyal son of Birmingham.
