Jack Osbourne opens up on the “shock” of losing Ozzy: “It’s still pretty fresh”
Jack Osbourne has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of losing his father, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, during the opening episodes of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. The reality survival show, now in its 25th series, premiered on November 16, with Jack among ten contestants facing its infamous challenges.
A Sudden Loss, Despite Long-Term Illness
In the second episode, broadcast November 17, Jack spoke with Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley about the shock his family felt at Ozzy’s passing. “We knew he was sick for a while, but it was definitely a shock,” Jack recalled. “It was like… we didn’t think it’d be that quick. It was the ultimate mic drop: do a massive, big gig and then was like, ‘Alright, I’m done.’”
He described his father’s farewell performance, Back To The Beginning, as the perfect exit — a final, commanding statement from the Prince of Darkness himself.
Jack also joked about how Ozzy might react to his reality TV stint, known for eating unusual foods and enduring insect-filled challenges. “He’s looking at me, being like, ‘What the [expletive] are you doing?’” Jack laughed. “He’d be so supportive of this. The whole family was. They were like, ‘Absolutely, go do it.’”
Grieving in the Public Eye
Speaking directly to the camera, Jack admitted that he is still processing the grief. “It’s been three, nearly four months, so it’s still pretty fresh,” he said. Ozzy passed away on July 22 at age 76, just 17 days after headlining his final show at Villa Park in Birmingham. The daylong concert saw him performing solo and with the original members of Black Sabbath, supported by rock and metal luminaries including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Ozzy’s retirement from touring in 2023 followed years of health challenges, including injuries from a 2019 fall and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020. Despite setbacks, he remained dedicated to performing for fans until the very end.
Remembering a Legacy
Last week, Jack joined Sharon and his sister Kelly Osbourne on a podcast reflecting on Ozzy’s life and influence. He spoke about the public outpouring of grief and the way his father’s music connected with people around the world. “I’ve seen messages where people are like, ‘I never thought I would feel this way about someone I didn’t know dying.’ I think people are genuinely feeling this void and they’re just like, ‘Holy shit, this guy’s gone.’”
The family also responded to remarks made by former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters, who dismissed Black Sabbath shortly after Ozzy’s death. Sharon described him as “a sad, irrelevant, old, miserable human being – a miserable, ugly human being.”
Even amid grief, Jack’s reflections highlight the enduring influence of his father. Ozzy’s boldness, creativity, and larger-than-life persona continue to inspire fans, musicians, and his family alike. As Jack navigates this new chapter without his father, his presence on I’m A Celebrity… becomes a living tribute — a way to honor Ozzy’s adventurous spirit, celebrate his legacy, and remind everyone that the impact of a life well-lived continues far beyond the stage. Through laughter, challenges, and candid reflections, Jack shows that grief and joy can coexist, keeping his father’s memory alive in every step he takes — and proving that love, inspiration, and courage can carry on even when someone extraordinary is gone.
I’m A Celebrity… continues tonight, November 18, on ITV1 and ITVX at 9 pm UK, promising more insights into Jack’s journey, the challenges of the jungle, and heartfelt reflections on the legacy of his father, Ozzy Osbourne.
