Thelma Riley is known as Ozzy Osbourne’s first wife. Her husband Ozzy Osbourne was an English singer, songwriter and media personality who passed away on 22 July 2025 at the age of 76 in United Kingdom. She is a former English teacher.
While not a public figure herself, her life intersected with rock history through her decade-long marriage to the “Prince of Darkness.” Despite her proximity to fame, Thelma chose privacy and forged a life defined by resilience, motherhood, and quiet strength.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thelma Mayfair Riley |
| Born | May 17, 1954 — Birmingham, England |
| Early Career | Waitress at Rum Runner nightclub |
| Marriage | Ozzy Osbourne (1971–1982) |
| Children | Elliot (1966), Jessica (b. 1972), Louis (b. 1975) |
| Post-divorce Work | School teacher in Leicestershire, UK |
| Net Worth | Estimated $600K–1M |
| Current Lifestyle | Private, family-focused life away from media spotlight |
Thelma Riley Early Life
She born on May 17, 1954, in Birmingham, England, Thelma grew up in a modest household. Official documentation of her parents or early education is virtually non‑existent, reflecting her private nature.
In the late 1960s, she worked at the Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham, where she met Ozzy Osbourne. Prior to their relationship, she had a son named Elliot (born circa 1966)—fathered by a previous partner, possibly Elliot Kingsley.
Career
Thelma initially served as a waitress at Rum Runner, a popular spot for aspiring musicians.
She pursued a career as a school teacher in Leicestershire, going by her married name or the name Thelma Mayfair. Her work earned her an estimated net worth of around $600,000–$1 million, largely from her teaching salary.
Career with Ozzy & Marriage
Thelma and Ozzy met in 1971 at the Rum Runner; after a short courtship, they married in a registry office in Birmingham the same year.
Family Life
Ozzy adopted Elliot who is her first son from a previous relationship. They had two children together: Jessica Starshine Osbourne (born 1972) and Louis John Osbourne (born 1975). Their union was marred by Ozzy’s rising fame, substance abuse, and infidelity. In his autobiography I Am Ozzy and a 2011 documentary “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne”, Ozzy reflects on the marriage as a “mistake,” admitting he sometimes didn’t even recall his own children’s birthdays.
Divorce and Later Life
After about 11 years of marriage, they divorced in 1982. Ozzy went on to marry Sharon Arden (Sharon Osbourne) later that same year. Sharon Osbourne is a television personality, music manager, and author.
Thelma chose a private, low-profile existence. She remained unmarried and continued teaching in Leicestershire, staying out of the spotlight while raising her children. She currently lives in Leicestershire, England.
Husband death
Her husband Ozzy Osbourne passed away on 22 July 2025 at the age of 76.
Family said, “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.”
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath guitarist), “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park… there won’t ever be another like him.”
He added, “Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother…”
Children’s career
Elliot Kingsley (b. 1966) is working as actor. Jessica Osbourne is an actress and producer, known for Better Call Saul, Manhattan and The Messengers. Louis Osbourne became a DJ and married actress Louise Lennon in the mid-2000s, has a child.
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