Sharon Osbourne breaks silence for first time since Ozzy Osbourne's death aged 76

Sharon Osbourne has broken her silence on husband Ozzy Osbourne's death.

Earlier this week (22 July), it was revealed the Black Sabbath rocker had died 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, just over two weeks after the legendary metal band's final farewell gig.

"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," the statement from the family announcing his death read.

"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."

He is survived by his wife Sharon and their three children - Kelly, Jack and Aimee - as well as three children from his previous marriage, Jessica, Elliot and Louis.

Sharon - who celebrated her 43rd wedding anniversary with Ozzy at the start of the month - has now broken her silence on his death by responding to a tribute from Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders.

Saunders had shared a clip from the moment he learnt of Ozzy's death while on air. "I'm bringing you the sad news that Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76," Saunders said in the clip, going on to deliver a glowing tribute to the rocker's impact on the heavy metal genre.

"The frontman of one of the most important heavy metal bands, Black Sabbath, whose second album Paranoid remains without a doubt the most influential metal album of all time."

The post prompted Sharon to thank the presenter for his words. "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight," she wrote in the comments. "Bless you."

Sharon and Ozzy had married on 4 July 1982 in Hawaii and have remained together ever since, even allowing cameras into their home for reality show The Osbournes.

Saunders is one of many people to share kind words and fond memories about the rocker.

His surviving Black Sabbath bandmates marked his death by sharing an image of Ozzy's iconic black throne on stage, alongside the caption 'Ozzy forever', while his two sisters revealed the frontman's happiness to be living in England again and playing a final farewell show at Birmingham's Villa Park stadium.

Ozzy took to the stage for a final time on 5 July for Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning charity concert, raising $190 million (£140 million) for charity.

The 76-year-old remained seated for the entire gig, as he was unable to walk due to the progression of Parkinson's disease, which featured appearances from the likes of Pantera, Metallica, Jack Black and Guns 'n' Roses.

Meanwhile, Yungblud, who also performed at the concert, said that Ozzy had appeared 'so full of life' the last time they saw each other.

"But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage," he wrote on social media.

"Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure - an adventure that started it all.

"I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time."