Legendary musician David Bowie dies of cancer at 69

Legendary artist, actor and record producer David Bowie died Sunday, according to a statement on the celebrated musician's official social media pages. He was 69 years old.

"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," the statement, dated Sunday, read. "While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

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His son, director and screenwriter Duncan Jones, confirmed the death on Twitter.

"Very sorry and sad to say it's true," he wrote in a Tweet accompanied with a black-and-white photo of himself and his father.

Bowie was to be honored at Carnegie Hall March 31, according the New York Times. He is survived by his son, Jones; his daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones; his wife, fashion model Iman and his ex-wife, Angie Bowie.

Bowie rose to fame in the late 1960s with his dreamy, powerful hit single "Space Oddity." He has held the public's rapt attention ever since with his avant-garde attitude and eclectic style.

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Bowie released the video for his latest song "Lazarus," last Thursday.

("Lazarus" on YouTube)

News of the rock icon's death sent waves through social media with fans expressing shock and paying tribute to Bowie's legacy.