Rock-and-roll legend David Bowie died Sunday after a secret battle against cancer, his publicist confirmed early Monday.
He had turned 69 on Friday.
The singer-songwriter, whose decades of hits redefined rock music and whose gender-bending alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, became a pop-culture icon, passed away at his London home, his loved ones at his bedside.
“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer,” read a statement on his website.
“While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”
Bowie had just released an album, “Blackstar,” and was in New York last month for the opening of an off-Broadway show based on his music, “Lazarus.”
A tribute to the artist, whom Rolling Stone magazine called “the consummate musical chameleon,” had already been planned at Carnegie Hall for March, featuring the Roots, Cyndi Lauper and the Mountain Goats.
“David Bowie has been a folk singer, androgyne, alien, decadent, blue-eyed soul man, art-rocker and a modern pop star, with each persona spawning a new league of imitators,” the magazine said.
Born David Robert Jones in Brixton, London, Bowie was an “artistic” child who was heavily influenced by American rock and roll.
He changed his last name to Bowie out of fear of being confused with Davy Jones of The Monkees.
Bowie’s self-titled debut album was released in 1967, followed by a single for the surreal folk-rock anthem “Space Oddity” in 1969.
He soon developed the persona of Ziggy Stardust, known for flamboyant pantsuits, sexual ambiguity and psychedelic rock swagger.
That concept character and the music from the album “Ziggy Stardust” influenced generations of musicians in genres as diverse as folk and glam rock.
He featured heavier rock with his 1970 album, “The Man Who Sold the World.”
Bowie also created the persona The Thin White Duke for his “Station to Station” album in 1976, which included “Hunky Dory,” a tribute to Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground.
He continued with a string of hits for decades, including “Let’s Dance,” “China Girl,” “Suffragette City” and “Star Man.”
After news of Bowie’s death spread just before 2 a.m. Eastern time, stars flocked to Twitter to mourn his loss.
Actress Marlee Matlin made a post recalling a memorable encounter with Bowie.
“RIP David Bowie,” she wrote. “When he said he didn’t like children & I told him he was once one, he said, No, I was born a Rock God. 😜 “Rock ‘em in heaven!”
Frances Bean Cobain, herself the daughter of a late rock legend, Kurt Cobain, also expressed her grief.
“R.I.P. David Bowie. You were an icon, you changed the idea of what a man should be, your musical genius will live on,” she tweeted.
“Rest in Peace David Bowie. Legends never die,” wrote actor and comedian Tommy Chong.
“I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie,” wrote comedian Ricky Gervais, just hours after hosting last night’s Golden Globes.
Musician Jack Antonoff, boyfriend of Lena Dunham, also recalled Bowie.
“Deeply sad to hear about david bowie / his work means more to me than I can express. what incredible things he did that last forever,” he tweeted.
“Just hearing about #DavidBowie!” wrote La Toya Jackson. “My condolences to his family and love ones! Your music will remain with this always!”
Bowie was married twice, to Angie Bowie and supermodel Iman, and is survived by children Duncan and Alexandria.