Rock icon David Bowie dies at 69

London, January 11

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Singer David Bowie has died after an 18-month battle with cancer, his publicity company said. He was 69.

"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 on Bowie's Facebook page dated Sunday.

Bowie had turned 69 just two days ago. He is survived by two children Duncan Jones and Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones and wife Iman.

One of the most influence musical artistes of his generation, Bowie is known for his camelion-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.

Stars, politicians and fans rushed online to pay their respects. British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss."

Steve Martin from Bowie's publicity company Nasty Little Man confirmed the Facebook report was accurate. "It's not a hoax," he told Reuters. —Reuters