Sharon Osbourne breaks social media silence in first message since husband Ozzy's tragic death

Sharon Osbourne has thanked people for their sweet tributes following the death of her husband Ozzy.

Ozzy, who was the frontman of heavy metal band Black Sabbath, died on Tuesday (July 22) at the age of 76, six years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

His passing comes just weeks after his final concert which he hosted in his hometown of Birmingham, UK, on July 5.

The proceeds of the gig went to charity and Ozzy has his bandmates raised an eye-watering $190,000,000.

Confirming the news of the Prince of Darkness' death, the Osbourne family said in a statement: "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. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."

Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 (Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

People have been paying their respects online in the wake of Ozzy's death, with his beloved wife Sharon - whom he wed in 1982 - replying to some of them.

One tribute came from BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders who gushed about Ozzy's impressive music over the years and Black Sabbath's game-changing albums.

"As I was on air tonight, the news broke that we had lost one of the greatest showman the world of metal and music has ever seen," the DJ wrote on Instagram.

"The bands and artists that dare to fly the flag in the name of rock n roll do so because Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath did first. He was a blessing to music. Rest In Peace the Prince Of Darkness."

Replying to the sweet tribute, Sharon penned to Jack: "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, Bless you."

Elsewhere Gavin Rossdale paid his respects to Ozzy and shared a snap of them together.

Gavin Rossdale shared a photo of him with Ozzy in 2005 (Getty Images)

Alongside it, he penned: "RIP OZZY - a great man - a true legend - I met Ozzy through Jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and I love that memory. Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power."

Years before his passing Ozzy spoke of what he wanted his funeral to be like.

The music legend penned for The Times back in 2011: "There'll be no harping on the bad times. It's worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives, so by any measure, most of us in this country - especially rock stars like me - are very lucky.

"That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad, I want it to be a time to say 'Thanks'."