Ozzy Osbourne Takes His Final Bow: Dolly Parton Joins the Rock World to Say Goodbye
On July 5, 2025, Birmingham—birthplace of Black Sabbath and heavy metal itself—became the epicenter of one of the most emotional nights in rock history. Fans from around the world gathered at Villa Park Stadium for “Back To The Beginning,” a powerful farewell concert honoring none other than Ozzy Osbourne.
The legendary frontman of Black Sabbath took the stage one final time, and though his voice and presence still held that unmistakable fire, it was clear this was a goodbye. But amid the roaring guitars and all-star performances, it was a quiet video message from Dolly Parton that left the biggest mark.
A Heartfelt Message from the Queen of Country
As thousands watched from the stands and millions more tuned in online, Dolly Parton’s pre-recorded message appeared on the screens.
“Well, Ozzy Osbourne, it’s Dolly Parton here,” she said warmly. “Now, are we supposed to be saying farewell to you? I don’t think that’s going to happen. How about we just say, ‘Good luck, God bless you, and we’ll see you somewhere down the road.’”
She closed with the kind of tenderness only Dolly can deliver:
“I love you — always have — and we’re going to miss you up on stage. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you show up somewhere else… and I’ll be there. Love you!”
The crowd was moved. A rock icon and a country queen, coming together for a moment that felt timeless and deeply personal.
A Night of Legends
The lineup that night was as massive as Ozzy’s legacy: Metallica, Korn, Tom Morello, Lamb of God, and Steven Tyler all took the stage, delivering performances that spanned generations of rock. The setlist was a masterclass in metal history—“War Pigs,” “Paranoid,” “Iron Man”—with Ozzy, now 76 and seated due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, front and center.
The crowd didn’t mind the throne. If anything, it added to the weight of the moment. Ozzy didn’t need to stand to command the stage. His voice, grit, and legacy did that on their own.
Music With a Mission
Beyond the music, “Back To The Beginning” was also a major humanitarian effort. The concert raised over $190 million, with funds going to:
Cure Parkinson’s
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Acorns Children’s Hospice
Few farewell shows can claim to change lives both on and off the stage. This one did.
A Bond Beyond Genres
The connection between Dolly and Ozzy goes beyond that tribute video. On a 2024 episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Kelly Osbourne shared the story of meeting Dolly at her Pet Gala event, calling it a dream come true. Dolly even met Ozzy’s grandson, Sidney—a moment the family still treasures.
@ozzy_maniac Ozzy talks about his grandson meeting Dolly Parton #ozzy #ozzyosbourne #sharonosbourne #shozzy #dollyparton #cute #rock #funny #love #fyp #music #viral #edit #theosbournes #foryoupage #tiktok #follow ♬ som original – Ozzy Maniac 🦇
A Legacy Set in Stone
From the birth of Black Sabbath in 1968 to his solo anthems like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears,” Ozzy helped shape the sound and soul of heavy metal. His battles—addiction, health struggles, and most recently, Parkinson’s—were as public as his music, and yet he kept going, right to the end.
On this night, he wasn’t just saying goodbye. He was passing the torch, reminding everyone of the roots of a genre he helped create—and the strength it takes to carry it forward.
The Final Note
When Ozzy Osbourne walked off that stage in Birmingham, it wasn’t just a rock star stepping down. It was a man who gave everything he had to his music, to his fans, and to a legacy that changed music forever.
He didn’t fade away. He roared one last time—back where it all began.
