"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief," read a statement on Bowie's Facebook page dated Sunday.
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Stars, politicians and fans rushed online to pay their respects. British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss."
I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2016
Steve Martin from Bowie's publicity company Nasty Little Man confirmed the Facebook report was accurate. "It's not a hoax," he told Reuters.
Bowie, known for hits, including Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust, released his final album Blackstar last week, to mark his 69th birthday.
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Born David Jones, Bowie rose to fame with 1969’s Space Oddity and a bit later through his jumpsuit-wearing alter ego Ziggy Stardust. In the last few years, the chart-topping singer has kept a low profile after undergoing emergency heart surgery in 2004. His last live performance was at a New York charity concert in 2006.
Many of Bowie’s fans took to Twitter to mourn the death of the legend:
RIP #davidbowie Thank you for Ziggy Stardust the soundtrack to my childhood. We've lost one of the greatest artists of the last Century.
— Mariella Frostrup (@mariellaf1) January 11, 2016
RIP to a king and a cultural leader #DavidBowie . too soon 🙏
— William Singe (@WillSinge) January 11, 2016
An absolute legend of both music and film #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/0DXbxiDUPl
— Cinemazing Podcast (@CinemazingFilm) January 11, 2016
All my Heroes are dying. RIP #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/UaxXYcrFFp
— David Weiner 📼🔪🎃🛸 (@TikiAmbassador) January 11, 2016
Rest in Peace incredible #DavidBowie,your music changed everything .Peace and comfort to your family,friends and Fans world wide.I love you
— Sinitta 16 (@sinittaofficial) January 11, 2016
I cannot do this justice with a tweet. I am just very sad that #DavidBowie has passed. RIP. https://t.co/EtuZyfMt9W
— Jim DeSantis (@Jim_DeSantis) January 11, 2016
He was beyond music. He was pure magic. I went to the #DavidBowie exhibition & came out with my soul jumping. Legend. Gutted.
— Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) January 11, 2016
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