The Osbournes, like any other family, are not sheltered from the inevitable ebbs and flows that define familial bonds. In an poignant interview on the "Disrespectfully" podcast, released roughly a week prior to Ozzy Osbourne's passing at the age of 76 on July 22nd, his son Jack, 39, unveiled the strained dynamics between him and his elder sister Aimee, who notably abstained from participating in the family's blockbuster 2000s reality show.
"Back then, Aimee, now 41, harbored aspirations of becoming a musician akin to Fiona Apple or Mazzy Star—an enigmatic, moody artist flying under the radar," Jack explained, elucidating why Aimee chose to stay away from "The Osbournes," which aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005. "She viewed appearing on MTV as a mundane endeavor, refusing to ride on the family's coattails. That was her stance."
He further elaborated, "Once the show skyrocketed to fame, she felt it would be even more hypocritical for her to join, fearing accusations of bandwagon-jumping. So, she dug in her heels, cherishing her privacy and obscurity."
Aimee has largely shunned the limelight, though she has released music under the moniker ARO, derived from her initials. When asked if she harbored any regrets about not joining the reality series, Jack admitted uncertainty.
"I've never discussed it with her; our relationship isn't close. We don't share a warm bond—she'd be the first to confess that, so it's no secret," he revealed. "I've never directly inquired if she regrets it. I suspect there's a part of her that thinks, 'My life might have taken a different path if I had done it.' Personally, I think I would've regretted it."
In August 2020, Aimee granted an interview to New York's Q104.3 radio station, elaborating on her decision to steer clear of "The Osbournes." She emphasized, "I've always valued my privacy within the family. For me, morally and for my personal growth, being remembered solely as a teenager clashed with my vision for my future."
"It undeniably worked wonders for the rest of my family, but for me, knowing who I am, I realized it was never a realistic option," she continued.
Aimee made a rare public appearance during Ozzy's funeral procession in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday, July 30th. Dressed in a black veil, beret, and suit, she tearfully bid adieu to her father alongside her mother Sharon, sister Kelly (who held her hand), Jack, and Ozzy's son Louis, as they paused on the Black Sabbath bridge.
Upon Ozzy's demise, the Osbourne family issued a joint statement to PEOPLE. "With a sadness beyond words, we announce the passing of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne this morning. He was accompanied by his family, enveloped in love. We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time," they expressed.
Aimee is Ozzy and Sharon's eldest child, from a marriage spanning over four decades. Ozzy, a rock legend, fathered six children in total: Jessica and Louis with his ex-wife Thelma Riley, along with Elliot, Riley's son from a previous relationship whom Ozzy adopted. With Sharon, he shared Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
