An Unexpected Goodbye: Dolly Parton’s Final, Heartfelt Message to Ozzy Osbourne
In the vast universe of music, some moments are so perfectly poignant they feel as if they were scripted by destiny. Such was the case with Dolly Parton’s video tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. What was intended as a message of love and encouragement for his farewell concert has now been immortalized as a bittersweet, unscripted final goodbye, delivered just 17 days before the legendary Prince of Darkness passed away.
The message, shared during the monumental “Back To The Beginning” concert on July 5th in Birmingham, now resonates with a depth that no one could have anticipated, a final, gentle grace note in the thunderous symphony of Ozzy’s life.
The Final Roar: “Back To The Beginning”
The stage was set at Villa Park in Birmingham, England—Ozzy’s hallowed home turf. The event, aptly named “Back To The Beginning,” was more than just a concert; it was a pilgrimage. It marked the final, historic performance of the original Black Sabbath lineup, a reunion fans had dreamed of for two decades. The air crackled with emotion and electricity as a constellation of rock royalty gathered to pay homage to their king.
Titans of the industry, including Korn, Metallica, and Lamb of God, took the stage, their heavy riffs a testament to the long shadow Ozzy cast over metal. Surprise appearances by Steven Tyler and Tom Morello only amplified the evening’s legendary status. This wasn’t just a farewell tour stop; it was a coronation of a legacy, a celebration that raised an incredible $190 million for various charitable causes.
And there, at the center of the storm, was Ozzy himself. Though the ravages of Parkinson’s disease confined him to a throne, his spirit was untamed. With every lyric sung, he reminded the packed stadium why he was, and always will be, the undaunted soul of heavy metal. It was a final, defiant roar from a lion in winter.
A Ray of Sunshine for the Prince of Darkness
Amidst the thunder of distorted guitars and pounding drums, a moment of profound tenderness cut through the noise. It came not from a fellow rocker, but from the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, whose pre-recorded message offered a beautiful contrast in tone and texture.
With her signature warmth and a disarming smile, Dolly addressed her old friend in a video that has since been shared by Rolling Stone.
“Well, Ozzy Osbourne, it’s Dolly Parton here,” she began, her voice a comforting balm. “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 concluded with a sentiment that captured their unique, playful bond, a message brimming with affection and a touch of her classic 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!”
Listening to those words now, they carry the weight of a final, heartfelt prophecy.
More Than Just Icons: A Family’s Affection
This connection wasn’t merely a professional courtesy between two superstars. It was a genuine warmth that extended to their families. Last year, Kelly Osbourne shared a touching anecdote on The Osbournes Podcast about her experience at the Dolly Parton Pet Gala. Her young son, Sidney, had the unforgettable opportunity to meet the country icon.
“Dolly was so amazing,” Kelly recounted. “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.”
Even Ozzy, the proud grandfather, had seen the picture of his grandson with Dolly and asked about the moment on their show. It was a quiet exchange, a moment of one legend expressing simple, human admiration for another, underscoring a bond built on mutual respect and kindness.
Beyond the Darkness, A Legacy of Light
Ozzy Osbourne cultivated a persona as the “Prince of Darkness,” a master of onstage theatrics and a pioneer of a genre defined by its heavy, brooding sound. Yet, those who knew him best—and the fans who followed his journey through reality TV and beyond—saw the man behind the myth. They knew a loving husband, a doting father and grandfather, and a man with a surprisingly sharp wit and a deep well of warmth.
Dolly’s farewell message seemed to speak directly to that man. She wasn’t saying goodbye to the bat-biting rock god; she was speaking to the friend, the family man, the lifelong artist whose influence could never be contained by a single genre.
Their careers were worlds apart—Dolly, the glittering queen of Nashville, singing songs of hope and heartache; Ozzy, the leather-clad godfather of metal, crafting anthems of chaos and rebellion. Yet, their unlikely friendship is a powerful reminder that true artistry and authentic spirit transcend all labels. At their core, both were storytellers who came from humble beginnings and remained true to themselves throughout decades of fame.
Dolly’s words, “We’ll see you somewhere down the road,” now feel like a promise. For a man like Ozzy Osbourne, whose music is eternal, it’s not truly a goodbye.
Rest in peace, Ozzy. The stage is a little darker now, but the echo of your roar will never fade.