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

 

'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 posted on the singer's official social media accounts.

 

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 chameleon-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. 

Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images