Goodbye instant star, goodbye David Bowie

British singer-songwriter and rock icon David Bowie has died at the age of 69 after battling cancer for 18 months.

Bowie had turned 69 just two days ago. He is survived by two children Duncan Jones and Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones and wife Iman.

One of the most influence musical artists of his generation, Bowie is known for his chamelion-like qualities as a performer that often blurred the lines between genders in an illustrious career that spanned four decades.

The musician, whose full name was David Robert Jones, was born in Brixton, UK on January 8, 1947.

His official Facebook page confirmed his death:

"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."

The British musician's latest album Blackstar had just released on January 8.

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