Kelly Osbourne has opened up about a poignant family Christmas tradition rooted in her father's hometown, as she accepted a civic honour on what would have been his 77th birthday.
Award and Tribute on a Significant Day
The television personality and singer, 41, was in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday, December 3, to collect the Lord Mayor's Award posthumously for her father, the legendary rock star Ozzy Osbourne. The ceremony took place in the Council House office of The Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.
Kelly revealed that visiting the city's famous Christmas Markets with her three-year-old son, Sidney, has become an essential festive ritual for their young family. She has taken him every year since his birth, barring when he was just a month old.
A City's Comfort in Grief
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Kelly shared how the people of Birmingham have been a pillar of support for her family following Ozzy's death on July 22. She expressed profound gratitude for the condolences received from locals and fans worldwide.
"The people of Birmingham have helped me through this time more than I can put into words," Kelly said. "I'm so grateful for every letter of condolence. The outpouring of love has really, really helped."
She added that connecting with others who have experienced similar loss has been a crucial part of her healing process.
Personal Rituals and Lasting Memories
Kelly described her personal traditions when visiting, which include waiting for nightfall to see the lights and shopping at Selfridges with her mother. Now, sharing the magic of the Christmas Markets with her son holds special significance.
"Now the Christmas Markets are here, it's lovely to take my son around, showing him the city," she explained. "This will be his second year of doing that so it's really important to me."
The family's connection to Birmingham was further cemented this year. Kelly became engaged to Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, Sidney's father, on July 5—the same day as Ozzy's final hometown show at Villa Park Stadium. In a deeply moving moment, she also brought Sidney to the Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street the day before Ozzy's funeral, laying flowers beside her father's coffin.
Kelly concluded by reflecting on her father's state of mind, attributing his happiness at the end of his life to the love shown by his hometown. "My dad died the happiest I've ever seen him in his life," she stated, "and that was because of the people of Birmingham and that final show."
