Celebrity Fans Pay Tribute to Their Hero David Bowie After He Dies From Cancer Aged 69

The music icon was surrounded by family as he passed away on Sunday.

David Bowie has died from cancer, according to his agent. The rock legend had celebrated his 69th birthday just two days earlier.

"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 on Sunday.

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"While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

His son, Duncan Jones, confirmed the news as he shared a picture of his dad on Twitter.

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

The music icon’s death comes just days after he released his final album, Blackstar. One song, Lazarus, opens with the lyrics: "Look up here, I'm in heaven."

Bowie's record producer characterized Lazarus as a "parting gift" to fans.

So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So! ❤️ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/INKPRCeofK

— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016

In a statement, Bowie's record label Columbia Records wrote:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of David Bowie. It was an honor and a privilege to release his music to the world."

In the days, and hours, leading up to her husband's death, Bowie's supermodel wife Iman posted photos to Twitter of the rocker, as well as inspirational messages.

Iman's latest message, which was posted Sunday evening, read: "The struggle is real, but so is God."

As Iman and Bowie's family, including his two children, mourned their shocking loss on Monday, so did the legend's legions of celebrity fans.

Among the stars honoring Bowie was Madonna, who posted to Twitter a photo of herself and Bowie, along with the message: "So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So!"

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always Legendary singer David Bowie dies at 69 https://t.co/ezRx7NVhSC # via HuffPostEnt

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) January 11, 2016

Find it hard to believe David Bowie has died. What an incredible life

— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) January 11, 2016

Kanye West also paid tribute, tweeting: "David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime."

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Cher also mourned: "Devastated...legend is gone."

Other celebrities who took to social media to share their grief included his former collaborator Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Pharrell Williams, Josh Groban and the host of Sunday night's Golden Globes ceremony, Ricky Gervais. 

DEVASTATED...? A LEGEND IS GONE✨?✨

— Cher (@cher) January 11, 2016

MESSAGE FROM IGGY: "David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is. - Iggy Pop"

— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) January 11, 2016

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

Not among those grieving, at least initially, was Bowie's ex-wife Angie Bowie. The American former model remained unaware of Bowie's passing well into Monday because she is currently a cast member on Celebrity Big Brother.

The British celebrity series forbids contestants from having contact with the outside world. However, according to reports, Angie Bowie was informed of Bowie's death Monday and will remain on the show.

Beyond even his superstar idolators, entire governments were left humbled by the rock god's passing.

On Monday, the German Foreign Office wrote on Twitter, "Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall."

Bowie recorded his timeless hit "Heroes" in late 1970s Berlin. The song has long been regarded by many as the anthem of German reunification.

The wall is, in fact, referenced in "Heroes." Bowie sings:

"I can remember / Standing, by the wall / And the guns, shot above our heads / And we kissed, as though nothing could fall / And the shame, was on the other side/ Oh we can beat them, forever and ever / Then we could be heroes, just for one day".

Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall. https://t.co/soaOUWiyVl #RIPDavidBowie

— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) January 11, 2016

 

Watch Below: David Bowie's Music Video Was 'Parting Gift' to Fans Before Dying of Cancer