"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer
"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," official Twitter account of singer David Bowie announced on Monday, January 11.
Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, confirmed the death. "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," read a statement on Bowie's Facebook page dated January 10.
He was 69.
Madonna said on Twitter: "Talented. Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever!"
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he had grown up with Bowie's music and described his death as "a huge loss". The Vatican said: "Check ignition and may God's love be with you" - borrowing a verse from Bowie's first hit "Space Oddity".
Reuters reports that sales of David Bowie's last album - released two days before his death - soared on Monday along with downloads of the greatest hits of his storied career. In the UK, the Official Charts Company said Bowie's "Blackstar" album already was headed to the top spot on the charts with sales of 43,000 since its release on Friday. Bowie's long-time producer, Tony Visconti, called the album the singer's "parting gift."
