Goodbye instant star, goodbye David Bowie

British singer-songwriter and rock icon David Bowie has died at the age of 69 after battling cancer for 18 months.

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 artists of his generation, Bowie is known for his chamelion-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.

His official Facebook page confirmed his death:

"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."

The British musician's latest album Blackstar had just released on January 8.

Twitter reactions:  

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

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

Oh my God not David Bowie

— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) January 11, 2016

David Bowie, you gave us some of most courageous, outrageous and beautiful music, thank you for your work, we lost a true Great today..

— Glen Hansard (@Glen_Hansard) January 11, 2016

Totally shocked. Absolutely not getting head around this one #DavidBowie .

— Niall Breslin (@nbrez) January 11, 2016

Omg RIP David Bowie ?? ...was just listening to him & talking about how great he was earlier tonight. ??

— Tom Dumont (@TomDumont) January 11, 2016

RIP David Bowie. A legend gone too soon. I hope you'll meet with Freddie in heaven & rock out together forever. pic.twitter.com/RcjEWntjjI

— Nazaneen Ghaffar (@SkyNewsNaz) January 11, 2016

RIP #DavidBowie My father introduced me to his music. I'm jealous of and excited for those yet to discover his brilliance. An Inspiration.

— Barry Sloane (@BarrySloane) January 11, 2016

R.I.P. David Bowie. You were an icon, you changed the idea of what a man should be, your musical genius will live on pic.twitter.com/29ijZOh6Kp

— Frances Bean Cobain (@alka_seltzer666) January 11, 2016

BREAKING NEWS: Rock legend David Bowie has died.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 11, 2016