Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Years Were Marked by Parkinson’s, Falls, and Health Complications From Past Accidents

Ozzy Osbourne had been open about his declining health for years. Before his death at 76, the legendary singer faced a series of medical setbacks, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, spinal injuries from past accidents, and multiple surgeries. He also lived with the long-term effects of alcohol and drug abuse and spent time in rehab clinics over several decades.

In February, Ozzy said he could no longer walk. On his SiriusXM radio show earlier this year, he reflected on the situation with a touch of dark humor:

“I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking during the holidays? Despite all my complaints, I’m still alive. I might be whining that I can’t walk, but I look around and see people who didn’t even make it this far and didn’t do half of what I did.”

Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Ozzy revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2019, although symptoms had been building for some time. That same year, he was hospitalized three times.

In February, he was treated for the flu. In April, he fell at home while getting up at night to use the bathroom. The fall led to further complications and surgery.

Doctors discovered the Parkinson’s disease during that period of medical testing.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and slowed motion. There’s no known cure, though medication can help manage the condition.

Accidents, Surgeries, and Infection

The 2019 fall wasn’t an isolated incident. It made things worse by aggravating damage from earlier accidents, including a serious ATV crash back in 2003.

During that accident, Ozzy injured his neck and had metal pins inserted to stabilize it. The procedure didn’t go as planned and led to a series of follow-up surgeries.

In October 2019, he underwent hand surgery to treat a bacterial infection. Not long after, he contracted COVID-19 and recovered.

According to his wife Sharon Osbourne, the rocker went through seven surgeries between 2019 and 2023. In public appearances over the last few years, he was seen using a cane or wheelchair to get around.

As his farewell concert approached, he acknowledged needing assistance from both a vocal coach and a physical trainer to prepare for the performance. Still, he admitted standing on stage would be a serious challenge.

Though his voice remained unaffected by the Parkinson’s, Sharon noted that the disease took a toll on his legs. Ozzy himself said he was dealing with blood clots in his limbs that were affecting his blood pressure.

A Career in the Shadow of Pain

Ozzy’s health battles often ran parallel to his career milestones. Despite chronic pain and mobility issues, he continued recording music and making appearances.

He often joked about his condition, but the reality was a mix of surgeries, rehab, and hospital visits.

Even in his last public remarks, he seemed more amazed to still be breathing than anything else. It was clear that his voice held on longer than the rest of him, a fact that allowed him to say goodbye to fans properly, even if not the way he originally planned.

R.I.P Legend 🤘

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