The family of rock icon David Bowie, who died at 69 after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer, expressed their thank for the “love and support” of fans and requesting continued privacy while planning a private memorial service. According to Rolling Stone, the Facebook statement reads:

The family of David Bowie is currently making arrangements for a private ceremony celebrating the memory of their beloved husband, father and friend. They ask once again that their privacy be respected at this most sensitive of times. We are overwhelmed by and grateful for the love and support shown throughout the world. However, it is important to note that while the concerts and tributes planned for the coming weeks are all welcome, none are official memorials organized or endorsed by the family. Just as each and every one of us found something unique in David’s music, we welcome everyone’s celebration of his life as they see fit.

In November 2015, Bowie revealed a daring, ten-minute music video for the title track of his highly anticipated twenty-fifth studio album “Blackstar”. A month later, he unleashed an evocative single titled “Lazarus”. Then on January 10, 2016, the legendary David Bowie died “peacefully…surrounded by his family”.

The world shared in the tragic loss of the English singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor, celebrating his legacy with a myriad of tributes. Bowie is remembered for the constant evolution of his individualistic style, creativity, and influence.

Producer Tony Visconti disclosed that Bowie wrote and demo-ed five songs in the weeks leading up to his death, planning a follow-up to Blackstar. “I was thrilled,” Visconti said in a Rolling Stone interview, “and I thought, and he thought, that he’d have a few months, at least. Obviously, if he’s excited about doing his next album, he must’ve thought he had a few more months. So the end must’ve been very rapid.”

Throughout the decades of his diverse artistic career, David Bowie participated in notable music collaborations and was immortalized through unforgettable covers of his extensive catalogue.  The music pioneer and legend is survived by ex-wife Mary Barnett and their son Duncan Jones and his wife Iman and their daughter Alexandria Jones.