Sharon Osbourne has revealed she was taken to hospital 'unexpectedly', forcing her to miss the unveiling of a 20ft statue of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne at the Hellfest festival in France, almost a year after the Black Sabbath legend's death.
Hospital Trip Prevents Attendance
The 73-year-old shared on social media that an unforeseen health emergency prevented her from travelling to the ceremony, which she had been anticipated to attend. In a statement, she wrote: 'I'm sorry I couldn't be at Hellfest for the unveiling of Ozzy's statue. Unfortunately I had an unexpected trip to the hospital earlier in the week.'
Statue Details and Tribute
The statue, crafted by French multimedia artist Philippe Pasqua, stands at six metres tall and depicts a grinning Ozzy wearing his signature spectacles with outstretched arms. It was revealed at the heavy metal festival Hellfest, where organisers honoured Ozzy's tremendous impact on countless musicians and supporters. Sharon thanked Olivier Garnier, Ben Barbaud, and everyone at Hellfest, with a special thank you to Pasqua for the 'absolutely stunning statue.'
Ozzy's Death and Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 last year at the age of 76. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest and acute myocardial infarction, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease listed as contributing factors. Sharon revealed that his last words to her at 4:30 a.m. on the day he died were, 'Wake up... kiss me... and hug me tight.' The following afternoon, Ozzy went downstairs to work out, suffered a fatal heart attack, and passed away.
His coffin was driven through Birmingham as crowds turned out to pay their respects before a private burial at the family's home. This Sunday will mark the first Father's Day his six children will experience without their father.
Final Weeks and Farewell Concert
Sharon previously spoke about Ozzy's final weeks, saying he 'knew' he was nearing the end of his life around the time of the 'Back To The Beginning' final show, but powered through because 'he wanted to do it so bad.' Ozzy passed away less than three weeks after the huge performance at Villa Park on July 5. Speaking on the Dumb Blonde podcast, Sharon said: 'Two weeks before the show, they said he could probably die, and he did. But he wanted to do it so bad. He needed it. And [he was] like, "Whether I die in two weeks or I die in six months, I'm still dying. And I want to go my way." And he did. He went like a rock star.'
The poignant farewell concert raised millions of pounds, with all proceeds going towards Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice.
