Sharon Osbourne breaks silence after Ozzy's 'heartbreaking' death - EXCLUSIVE

Ozzy Osbourne's heartbroken widow Sharon has broken her silence following his death aged 76. The Prince of Darkness passed away on the morning of Tuesday July 22 after battling Parkinson's disease, with the news coming just weeks after his final Black Sabbath gig at Villa Park.

His death was confirmed via statement from Sharon and their children, as they wrote: "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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." The day following his death, sources close to Sharon have told Express.co.uk that she has been left devastated by Ozzy's death. They said: "Sharon is heartbroken. She knew this day would come but it's still a huge shock. Ozzy was the love of her life and she is simply heartbroken that she has lost her best friend."

Details of Ozzy's funeral are yet to be confirmed, but the Prince of Darkness had dropped some huge hints about what can be expected.

Ozzy previously said that he didn't want it to be a sad occasion but instead a time to say "thanks". He told The Times back in 2011, he said: "There'll be no harping on the bad times."

"It's worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives, so by any measure, most of us in this country - especially rock stars like me - are very lucky. That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad, I want it to be a time to say 'Thanks'."

The rest of the Osbourne clan are yet to publicly speak out, but Ozzy's Black Sabbath bandmates have taken to social media to pay tribute to the rock icon.

Tony Iommi said on social media: "I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It's just such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words, there won't ever be another like him.

"Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz."

Bassist Geezer Butler said: "Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who'd have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you."

Drummer Bill Ward added: "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart. Never goodbye. Thank you forever."