Dolly Parton Says Goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne: The Queen of Country Honors the Prince of Darkness
In a moment that captured the emotional crosscurrents of two legendary careers, Dolly Parton — the Queen of Country — offered a heartfelt farewell to Ozzy Osbourne just 17 days before his passing. Her video message, shared during the Back To The Beginning concert on July 5 in Birmingham, now stands as an unexpectedly final goodbye to one of rock’s most iconic voices.
Back To The Beginning — Ozzy’s Full-Circle Farewell
Held at Villa Park in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham, England, the star-studded farewell show marked the last time the original lineup of Black Sabbath performed together. Dubbed Back To The Beginning, the event was a thunderous celebration of Ozzy’s impact — not just in metal, but across the entire music world.
Featuring performances by Korn, Metallica, Lamb of God, and surprise collaborations from Steven Tyler and Tom Morello, the concert raised a staggering $190 million for charity. Fans packed the stadium to witness the return of Black Sabbath — their first show in two decades and, as fate would have it, their last.
Despite being confined to a throne due to Parkinson’s complications, Ozzy performed with his signature fire, reminding everyone that even in his final bow, he was still the soul of heavy metal.
Dolly’s Message: Tender, Playful, and Deeply Loving
Among the many tributes that night, one stood out for its contrast in tone — a warm, genuine message from Dolly Parton.
“Well, Ozzy Osbourne, it’s Dolly Parton here,” she began with a smile in a video shared by Rolling Stone. “Now, I know you’re at home, and what a wonderful place to be, right? Now, are we supposed to be saying, ‘Farewell,’ to you? Well, I don’t think that’s gonna happen. How about we just say, ‘Good luck, God bless you, and we’ll see you somewhere down the road.’”
She closed with a message filled with affection and humor:
“I love you — always have. We’re gonna miss you up on stage, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t show up somewhere else. And I’ll be there. Love you!”
Those words now echo with bittersweet resonance.
Dolly and the Osbourne Family: A Shared Moment of Grace
Last year, Kelly Osbourne recalled her experience working the red carpet at the Dolly Parton Pet Gala, where her son Sidney got the chance to meet Dolly himself.
“Dolly was so amazing,” Kelly said on The Osbournes Podcast. “They always say, ‘Don’t meet your idols,’ but I say, ‘Don’t meet your idols — unless it’s Dolly Parton.’ She does not disappoint.”
Ozzy, ever the proud grandfather, had noticed the photo of Sidney and Dolly and asked about it on the show — a quiet, sweet moment of admiration from one legend toward another.
A Legacy Beyond Darkness
Though Ozzy was known as the Prince of Darkness, those who truly knew him — and fans who followed his journey beyond the stage — understood that behind the theatrics was a man full of humor, warmth, and love for his family.
Dolly’s farewell didn’t just honor the rock star. It honored the man: a husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong musician whose legacy stretched far beyond the metal world.
Two Icons, One Moment
Their careers couldn’t be more different — Dolly, the rhinestone-studded country queen of hope and heart; Ozzy, the bat-biting, genre-defining godfather of metal. Yet their connection reminds us of music’s greatest truth: soul recognizes soul.
Dolly’s final words now feel prophetic:
“We’ll see you somewhere down the road.”
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. The music world is darker without you — but your echo will never fade.
