Goodbyes Are Bittersweet: Dolly Parton Bids Emotional Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne at Final Black Sabbath Show
The thunder rolled through Villa Park in Birmingham, England, but it wasn’t just from the music. As thousands of fans gathered to witness the final crescendo of Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert, a surprising and emotional moment gripped the crowd. In between sets, a large screen lit up—not with flames or flying bats, but with the warm, unmistakable smile of Dolly Parton.
In a pre-recorded exclusive message for Rolling Stone, the country music legend offered a heartfelt video tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, sending him off with grace, admiration, and the kind of sincere charm only Dolly can deliver.
“Ozzy, honey, you’ve scared generations half to death and loved ’em just as hard,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ve given the world so much, and now it’s your turn to rest, reflect, and soak up all that love coming back at you. I sure am proud of you, and I hope you know just how much you’ve meant to people—all kinds of people.”
The crowd—hardened metalheads, lifelong Sabbath fans, and rock disciples from every corner of the world—fell silent, hanging on to every word of Dolly’s Southern warmth. Some looked confused at first—Parton, after all, exists in a very different musical universe. But the emotion quickly took hold.
This wasn’t just one legend saying goodbye to another—this was history bending to acknowledge itself.A Farewell Fit for the Prince of Darkness
The video was strategically slotted between supporting acts at the massive outdoor event, just before Ozzy and the reunited core of Black Sabbath—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and guest musicians—took the stage for their final performance as a band. The concert, aptly named “Back to the Beginning,” marked the last full-scale Sabbath show after more than five decades of pioneering heavy metal.
As the night grew darker, fans erupted for classics like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “Children of the Grave,” and a thunderous, emotional “War Pigs.” Each track carried the weight of a lifetime’s work, with Osbourne visibly moved at several points—particularly during slower moments of fan interaction.
But it was Dolly’s unexpected cameo that stole a different kind of spotlight—a reminder of the emotional depth behind the darkness.
“An Unlikely Friendship”
Though Dolly Parton and Ozzy Osbourne may seem like polar opposites on the musical spectrum, the two legends have expressed mutual admiration in recent years. Both are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (Dolly in 2022, Ozzy with Sabbath in 2006 and solo in 2023), and both have transcended genre limitations to become global cultural icons.
Back in 2022, Osbourne publicly praised Dolly’s humility and grace when she initially questioned her own induction into the Rock Hall, saying:
“Dolly’s the real deal. She doesn’t just play the part—she is the part. The world needs more of that.”
The feeling, clearly, is mutual.
In her tribute video, Dolly reflected on Ozzy’s impact beyond the music:
“You’ve been raw, real, and relentless, Ozzy. You never pretended to be anyone but yourself. That’s what real legends do. They live loud and true. And baby, you did just that.”The Final Bow
At the conclusion of the concert, Osbourne stood in the spotlight alone. The crowd, still buzzing from the performance and the deeply emotional atmosphere, watched as the 76-year-old icon slowly removed his sunglasses and bowed his head.
“I love you all. Birmingham—this is where it started, and this is where it ends. Thank you for giving me the best life I could ever ask for.”
As fireworks exploded above Villa Park, fans embraced, cried, and sang together—many for the first time since Sabbath’s early days. It was a funeral and a celebration all in one.�
Legacy Beyond Genre
Parton’s message, while a touching tribute, also served to remind fans that music connects beyond style, sound, or stage persona. The outpouring of love from across genres—country, rock, pop, and metal—showed that Ozzy’s influence is not just musical. It’s cultural. Emotional. Eternal.
“Some say you’re the Prince of Darkness,” Dolly closed with a smile. “But I think you’ve always had a light in you. Even in the darkest of riffs. Shine on, Ozzy.” What Comes Next?
Though Sabbath’s chapter has officially closed, and Ozzy’s health challenges may limit future appearances, fans remain hopeful for one-off moments, studio collaborations, or public celebrations of his storied life.
As for Dolly Parton, she continues to bridge generational gaps in music, showing that the bonds between artists are stronger than genre.
Together, Dolly and Ozzy proved that legends lift each other up, even in parting.
Because in music, and in memory, goodbyes don’t always mean the end.
