David Bowie’s last album was his farewell gift to loyal fans

Music icon David Bowie has died at the age of 69 his son and publicist confirmed this morning, Monday, Jan. 11. 

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The world was shocked to wake up today to the news that legendary artist Bowie is no longer with us. The following statement was posted to Bowie’s official Facebook page:

“January 10 2016 – 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 post has been shared over 230,000 times and thousands of devastated fans have left comments professing their love for Bowie, as well as sharing their disbelief that he has gone.

“I’m confused, shocked, and I don’t know what to believe. My heart nearly stopped reading this post. I hope this is not true, but if it is, I am truly, truly sorry for the loss of such a great man, performer, musician, and inspiration. My heart goes out to you, David Bowie, the blackstar,” wrote Andrew Edelblum.

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The producer of Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, which was released on the artist’s 69th birthday on Jan. 8, has made a statement on his own Facebook page, revealing that the record was deliberately created and timed as a “parting gift” for his fans.

“He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way,” wrote Tony Visconti. “His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”

The single “Lazarus,” released as a digital download in December 2015, begins with the lyrics: “Look up here, I’m in Heaven!”

The video, which features the musician in a hospital bed and closes with him retreating into a dark closet, will take on a whole new, tragic meaning now.

David Bowie 1947 – 2016. RIP.

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