Music Legend David Bowie, 69, Dies After 18 Month Cancer Battle

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Iconic musician and actor David Bowie passed away Sunday January 10 after an 18 month long battle with cancer. Bowie, a master of reinvention, had been the subject of death hoaxes in recent years, but his death was confirmed on official social media accounts. 

The message posted yesterday stated, "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 moth 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."

Bowie has been know for years as a musical and aesthetics chameleon with personas such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and Thin White Duke.  All had a different look; each as iconic as the one before.

His hits included "Changes," "Golden Years," "Fame," "Let's Dance," and "I'm Afraid of Americans." He collaborated with many artists such as Tina Tuner, Mick Jagger, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and even Bing Crosby.

Bowie also had some success as an actor. His first major role was as Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien from a dying planet, in The Man Who Fell To Earth. His most famous acting role came in 1986 as Jareth the goblin king in Jim Henson's Labyrinth.

Just three days ago, Friday January 8th - his 69th birthday, Bowie released an album of seven songs entitled Blackstar. The highly acclaimed album features themes of death and sickness. According to producer and longtime Bowie friend Tony Visconti the album was meant to be a farewell of sorts from Bowie.  

“He made Blackstar for us — his parting gift,” Visconti said Monday. “I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it.”

Tributes from musicians, actors, and politicians have flooded the internet.