Kelly Osbourne thanks fans following death of heavy metal legend and father Ozzy
‘Every bit of compassion has meant more than I can ever explain’
Kelly Osbourne has thanked fans for their "support" during the "hardest moment" of her life, following the death of her father, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne.
The rock legend, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, died at the age of 76 on 22 July.
Since his death, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in from around the globe from friends and fans.
Thousands have visited the Black Sabbath Bench in his home city of Birmingham to lay bouquets and leave balloons, cards and candles.
The Osbourne family visited the bench in Broad Street last week to lay their own flowers ahead of the heavy metal legend’s funeral.
Kelly, who starred in the 2000s reality series The Osbournes, shared a post on her Instagram story on Monday thanking fans for their support since the loss of her father.
The 40-year-old said: “I’ve sat down to write this a hundred times and still don’t know if the words will ever feel like enough… but from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
“The love, support, and beautiful messages I’ve received from so many of you have truly helped carry me through the hardest moment of my life. Every kind word, every shared memory, every bit of compassion has meant more than I can ever explain.
“Grief is a strange thing — it sneaks up on you in waves — I will not be ok for a while — but knowing my family are not alone in our pain makes a difference.
“I’m holding on tight to the love, the light, and the legacy left behind. Thank you for being there. I love you all so much. – Kelly #BirminghamForever #OzzyForever.”
On Monday, Birmingham City Council began gathering up the tributes so they can be stored before being handed over to the Osbourne family.
A handful of fans watched from behind barriers, took photographs and hugged each other as officials in hi-vis jackets collected all the flowers and tributes which had been laid in front of the bench and on the railings behind it.
The council said the mementos would be gathered and preserved “respectfully” in agreement with the rock star’s relatives and then stored “with the utmost care at a secure location, ensuring they are protected and treated with dignity”.
The council said: “In due course, they will be passed on to the Osbourne family, so they may keep them as a lasting reminder of the public’s affection and support.”
In a statement released through the city council, the Osbourne family said: “We are deeply moved by the heartfelt tributes that have been placed at the Black Sabbath Bridge and at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street in recent days.
“These expressions of remembrance reflect the profound impact that Ozzy had on the city and its people, as well as fans from around the world – BIRMINGHAM FOREVER!”
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