Tributes have been pouring in on Twitter for British singer-songwriter David Bowie, who died at the age of 69 on Monday.
He was battling cancer for the last 18 months.
"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," read a statement posted on the singer's official social media accounts.
Bowie had turned 69 just two days ago. He is survived by his wife Iman, and two children Duncan Jones and Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones.
One of the most influence musical artistes of his generation, Bowie is known for his chameleon-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.
Here are a few of the tweets:
Rest in peace David Bowie. Hopefully you turned to cosmic dust and returned to the place where ideas are made, like @gerardway said.
— Natalia 击 (@twelthlegion) January 11, 2016
So sad to hear of the death of David Bowie, he was a hero of mine & I loved him. #RIP#DavidBowie#Legend#
— MsJones (@Special_Agent26) January 11, 2016
#sorrow, David Bowie passes, tragic. I will definitely be listening to him today, with me he'll live on.
— Rob Peach (@peachyrob) January 11, 2016
RIP David Bowie. One of the most inspirational icons in the music world. He will be sorely missed by many.
— James (@Townsend1503) January 11, 2016
The sentence 'David Bowie is dead' literally makes no sense to me.
— Doctor Happyknuckles (@drhappyknuckles) January 11, 2016
Idk my mom calls me crying.. She told me David Bowie is dead.. And now i suddenly can't sleep
— m ; (@chaneldms) January 11, 2016
A very sad day. The world has lost a true genius. RIP Sir David Bowie. pic.twitter.com/I4fGbLBlx0
— Paul (@Pigsy1979) January 11, 2016
DAVID BOWIE JUST DIED AND I'M VERY UPSET AND I THINK I NEED TO GO TO BED AND CRY
— ghosty (@kili_dear) January 11, 2016
RIP #DavidBowie the Thin White Duke. You will always be an influence on me. Thank you for all you have given to us.
— Shaun Moffat (@ShaunMoffat) January 11, 2016
woken up to the news of David Bowie :( i am absolutely heartbroken :(
— tasha (@tashasayshello) January 11, 2016