Ozzy Osbourne’s Heartbreaking Final Text to Guitarist Before Death originally appeared on Parade.
Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee is sharing the emotional final text messages he received from the “Prince of Darkness” just weeks before the rock icon’s death on Tuesday, July 22.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Last Messages to Jake E. Lee
Lee, 68, who performed at Ozzy’s farewell “Back To The Beginning” concert earlier this month, took to social media to share the intimate final exchange between the two musicians.
The guitarist revealed he’s still processing the loss of his former bandmate. “The finality of it hits me in waves,” Jake wrote to fans. “This was a text I got from him as I was sitting in an airport headed back home two weeks ago.”
In the touching messages, Ozzy expressed regret about their limited time together during the farewell weekend.
“Hi jake im so sorry i couldnt spend more time with you on the weekend but it was really caotic ,i would really like to see you when i eventually get back TO LA just to shoot the sh-t its been so long since we saw each other,” the Black Sabbath frontman wrote.
The metal legend also showed interest in Jake’s recent performance, asking, “How did the gig go for you on Saturday i really hope you had fun anyway i will text you when i eventually get back to LA and we must hook up much love and respect OZZY.”
Jake E. Lee’s History with Ozzy Osbourne
Lee joined Ozzy’s solo band in the early 1980s to replace the late Randy Rhoads. During his tenure with Ozzy, Lee contributed to two critically acclaimed albums, 1983’s Bark At The Moon and 1986’s The Ultimate Sin.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Farewell Performance
At Ozzy’s final concert, Lee performed covers of songs with the band, including “The Ultimate Sin” and “Shot In The Dark.” Before the show, Lee had expressed excitement about seeing Ozzy after years apart.
“It’s a thrill to be a part of it,” he reportedly told Guitar World. “And even more so for me to watch it. I hope Ozzy can get through it. I haven’t spoken with him or seen him in decades. I really don’t know what condition he’s in, but he deserves a final farewell performance.”
Lee continued, “No matter how he is, or how well his singing is, he deserves to have that final farewell. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Announcement
The Osbourne family announced the rock legend’s passing in an official statement.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed, though Ozzy had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2019 and faced various health challenges in recent years.
Related: Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Hours: Paramedics Reveal Heartbreaking Details
Ozzy Osbourne’s Heartbreaking Final Text to Guitarist Before Death first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.