In a moment that perfectly blended the worlds of country and metal, the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, sent a warm, emotional message to the Prince of Darkness himself—Ozzy Osbourne—as he took the stage for the final time on July 5 in his hometown of Birmingham, England.
Held at Villa Park Stadium, the “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert was a historic tribute to Ozzy and the original lineup of Black Sabbath, the legendary band that pioneered heavy metal. The celebration included explosive performances from music legends like Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Metallica, Korn, and Lamb of God. But it wasn’t just loud guitars and pyro that moved the crowd—Dolly Parton’s video message may have been the most unexpectedly touching moment of the night.
“Well, Ozzy Osbourne, it’s Dolly Parton here,” she began with her trademark Southern warmth. In a message aired on the stadium’s big screens, Dolly reminded everyone that goodbyes aren’t always final: “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.’”
Parton, just three years older than Ozzy, ended her tribute with a message that melted even the toughest metal hearts: “I love you—always have. And we’re gonna miss you up on stage, but you know what? I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t show up somewhere else. And I’ll be there. Love you!”
Dolly’s connection to the Osbourne family goes beyond this tribute. At the 2024 Dolly Parton Pet Gala, Ozzy’s daughter Kelly Osbourne shared a red carpet moment with her son Sidney, who got to meet Dolly in person. Kelly later told listeners on The Osbournes Podcast, “Don’t meet your idols—unless it’s Dolly Parton. She does not disappoint.”
Ozzy’s final performance was emotional on multiple levels. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, the rock icon performed seated on a throne, unable to stand for long periods. But the thunderous cheers from fans proved his power hadn’t faded. This was Black Sabbath’s first full reunion in 20 years, and likely its last.
Despite the somber occasion, the show was a triumph—raising $190 million for charity. Beneficiaries included Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acom Children’s Hospice.
As Ozzy himself said earlier this year: “It’s my time to go Back To The Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”
Thanks to the heartfelt words from Dolly Parton and the support of artists across genres, Ozzy’s final bow wasn’t just a farewell—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the unexpected harmony between country twang and heavy metal thunder.
