RIP David Bowie (1947-2016)

It brings me no pleasure in reporting that the legendary David Bowie has passed away tonight after an unfortunate fight against cancer. With such hits as “Space Oddity,” “Starman,” “Rebel Rebel,” “Changes,” and “Heroes” among many others, the superstar, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and actor leaves behind one incredible legacy that has touched many lives over the course of his 40-plus-year career. He died at the age of 69.

David Bowie’s death was made public on his official Facebook page at 10:30 p.m. PST this evening, stating:

“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.”

With almost 15,000 comments to the post within just an hour of the heartbreaking news, there has been no shortage of love and admiration for the late artist from his fans.

Director Duncan Jones (Moon; Source Code; and 2016’s Warcraft), the son of Angela and David Bowie, left a touching message on Twitter soon after the news broke as well:

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Widely known for his androgynous style that sparked a fashion revolution, Bowie made his big break in 1972 with his hit album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. From then on his career took off as he inspired many through the decades. I’m no music buff, and I won’t pretend that his music made an impact on my life as it has for many others, but his role as Jareth the Goblin King in Jim Henson’s cult classic, Labyrinth, will stay with me forever. The man could definitely act.

Currently, David Bowie’s music has been credited in over 450 films to date, and he has acted in a handful of other works, including The Man Who Fell to Earth, Zoolander as himself, and The Prestige as Nikola Tesla.

In his lifetime, David Bowie won a Grammy for Best Video (Short Form) for “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean,” and recieved a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy in 2006. He was also nominated for nine other Grammys, earned himself one daytime Emmy for a the special Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song in Cat People.

RIP David Bowie. You will be missed.