Although widely recognized by his stage moniker “Prince of Darkness,” the late Ozzy Osbourne appeared to exhibit warmth and affection in private moments shared with his grandchildren.
Following Mr. Osbourne’s passing on Tuesday at the age of 76, Lisa Stelly—the former spouse of his son, Jack Osbourne—posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Thursday, referring to the late musician endearingly as “Papa.” The tribute included a series of intimate family photographs capturing Mr. Osbourne in moments of closeness with his grandchildren.
Jack Osbourne, who has publicly shared reflections on his final conversation with his father following the elder Osbourne’s last concert appearance, shares three children—Pearl (age 13), Andy (age 10), and Minnie (age 7)—with Ms. Stelly.
In addition, he is the father of Maple, age 3, whom he shares with his current spouse, Aree Gearhart. The couple were married in 2023.
Despite the dissolution of her marriage to Jack Osbourne, Lisa Stelly appeared to retain deep affection and respect for the late Ozzy Osbourne, expressing no apparent animosity toward the legendary Black Sabbath frontman. In a touching tribute shared via Instagram, Ms. Stelly reflected on Mr. Osbourne’s profound and enduring role within their family, accompanied by endearing photographs of him smiling warmly in the presence of his grandchildren.
“The world got Ozzy. We got Papa,” she wrote in the caption, characterizing him as “one of one” and “larger than life,” underscoring the distinction between his public persona and his cherished role within the family.
“It hurts to say goodbye, but what a gift it was to have him,” Lisa Stelly wrote in her Instagram tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. “We will never stop missing you.”
Internationally renowned for his theatrical stage presence and flamboyant performances—both as the frontman of Black Sabbath and in his solo career—Mr. Osbourne was seen in a strikingly different light in the personal photographs shared by Ms. Stelly. In these behind-the-scenes moments, he appeared content, affectionate, and fully at ease among his grandchildren.
One image depicted Mr. Osbourne gently smiling while holding his granddaughter Pearl, who beamed joyfully for the camera while holding a flower. In another lighthearted image, the musician adopted a playful, exaggerated expression with his mouth open wide as he gave a ride on his shoulders to one of his younger granddaughters, reflecting his signature sense of humor.
Mr. Osbourne was also captured in a serene group photo, lying back and embracing his two eldest granddaughters—an image evocative of domestic harmony and familial closeness. In a separate picture, he offered a humorous side grin as he posed alongside his former daughter-in-law, who appeared to be holding her youngest daughter.
Demonstrating his spirited and accommodating nature, the rock legend was seen in another image tolerating his baby granddaughter’s fingers in his mouth, further illustrating his willingness to engage playfully with his family.
An earlier photograph showed Mr. Osbourne resting on a bed while lovingly cooing at one of his grandchildren, who appeared poised to plant a kiss on his face—an intimate and tender moment that captured the depth of his bond with the youngest generation of his family.#newsafro_
