David Bowie died yesterday after fighting cancer for 18 months. His Facebook page made the announcement this morning: he died “peacefully” while surrounded by family. He turned 69 Friday, the same day of the release of his last album, ★ (Blackstar). Read the Facebook statement below. 

Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, film director, confirmed his death on Twitter, tweeting a photo of himself as an infant with Bowie, “very sorry and sad to say it’s true.” The Hollywood Reporter also confirmed it. 

There will never be such a creative force like Bowie. 

January 10 2016 – 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.