Dolly Parton’s Emotional Message to Ozzy Osbourne Steals the Spotlight at His Final Show
Dolly Parton Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Ozzy Osbourne at His Final Concert in Birmingham
As heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne took his final bow at the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in Birmingham, fans around the world were left speechless — but one voice rose from outside the metal realm to deliver a powerful, unexpected tribute: Dolly Parton.
In a touching video message played between sets at Villa Park Stadium in Ozzy’s hometown, the country legend offered heartfelt words that resonated far beyond the genre divide.
“Now, are we supposed to be saying farewell to you? Well, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Parton said warmly, her familiar Southern twang full of emotion. “How about we just say good luck, God bless you, and we’ll see you somewhere down the road. I love you — always have.”
A Goodbye That Felt Like a Beginning
Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert wasn’t just another rock show — it was a historic reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup: Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The event, billed as a charity performance, marked what could be the last time the founding fathers of heavy metal shared the stage.
Yet, as the crowd roared and the riffs thundered, Dolly’s soft-spoken message cut through with a reminder that legacies like Ozzy’s don’t fade — they evolve.
“We’re gonna miss you up on stage,” she added, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t show up somewhere else — and I’ll be there.”
Dolly Parton and Ozzy: An Unlikely Yet Iconic Crossover
While some fans might find it surprising to see Dolly Parton honoring a heavy metal icon, this moment reflects the growing bridge between genres. Parton herself has recently leaned into rock collaborations — including a reimagined version of Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home,” and her 2023 album Rockstar, featuring legends like Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and even Beatles icons Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
A Farewell Fueled by Purpose
Ozzy’s return to the stage didn’t come easily. The Prince of Darkness has battled serious health issues, including spinal surgery and complications from Parkinson’s disease. In a candid interview with The Guardian, he revealed that his wife Sharon had encouraged him to take part in this show to reignite his spirit.
“I was in Doom Town,” he said. “And she says, ‘I’ve got an idea.’ It gave me a reason to get up in the morning.”
Guitarist Tony Iommi also admitted initial hesitation about reuniting, saying he didn’t want to be one of “those bands” that announces a farewell and then keeps touring. But this time was different — it was for charity, and it was for closure.
One Legend Honors Another
Dolly Parton’s tribute served as a powerful reminder that music knows no boundaries. From Nashville to Birmingham, from country to metal, the heart of artistry is connection. And on this night, two legends — one from the Grand Ole Opry and one from the depths of heavy metal — met in the middle to say goodbye.
Or maybe, as Dolly suggested, it wasn’t goodbye at all.
