Iconic rock star David Bowie has died at age 69.

A spokesman for the singer stated on Twitter: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 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."

His son Duncan Jones has also confirmed his passing, writing on Twitter: "Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all."

https://twitter.com/ManMadeMoon/status/686441083648212992

Bowie's fight with cancer was kept private, making his death a surprise. 

One of the most groundbreaking artists in the history of rock 'n' roll, Bowie's career spanned seven decades. During that time the singer born David Jones created some of the most memorable and influential records in pop music. 

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars from 1972 elevated rock to high theatre, while 1983's mega-platinum Let's Dance remade him as a suave suit-wearing hockey-rink headliner.

Not content to be just a pop star, the singer also worked in both film and theatre, major roles including 1976's The Man Who Fell to Earth, and the 1980 Broadway production of The Elephant Man.

Bowie remained active as an artist throughout his life, releasing his latest record Blackstar on January 8 of this year, a date which also happened to be his birthday. 

One could spend hours arguing over Bowie's greatest songs. Was it "Space Oddity" starring the character Major Tom, or was it 1983's sultry "Let's Dance"?

We're going to go with the following, "Ashes to Ashes", which, today, sadly seems appropriate.