How Did David Bowie Die?
David Bowie died of Liver cancer on January 10, 2016, at age 69.
What was David Bowie's cause of death?
David Bowie kept his liver cancer diagnosis private for 18 months. He died on January 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and two days after the release of his final album Blackstar — widely considered his farewell statement. He was at his home in New York City. His death shocked the world, as almost no one outside his inner circle knew he was ill.
How old was David Bowie when they died?
David Bowie was 69 years old at the time of death.
When did David Bowie die?
David Bowie died on January 10, 2016.
David Bowie Biography
David Robert Jones was born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London. He changed his name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees. Through personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, he pushed the boundaries of rock music, gender expression, and artistic reinvention across six decades. His albums Heroes and Let's Dance are considered among the finest rock records ever made.
Personal Life
Who are David Bowie's parents?
Haywood Stenton Jones, Margaret Mary Burns
Did David Bowie have siblings?
Yes — Terry Burns.
Was David Bowie married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Angie Barnett | 1970 | 1980 |
| Iman | 1992 | N/A |
Did David Bowie have children?
David Bowie had 2 children: Zowie Bowie (Duncan Jones), Alexandria Zahra Jones.
What religion was David Bowie?
David Bowie was None (agnostic).
What was David Bowie's ethnicity?
David Bowie was of English heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
- Labyrinth (1986)
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Albums
- Space Oddity (1969)
- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972)
- Heroes (1977)
- Let's Dance (1983)
- Blackstar (2016)
Awards
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
Facts About David Bowie
- His final album Blackstar was released just two days before his death
- His eyes appeared two different colors due to anisocoria — not two different colors actually
- He turned down a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II
- He was born the same day as Elvis Presley — January 8
David Bowie Quotes
"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."
"I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human."
Legacy
David Bowie's influence on music, fashion, and culture is immeasurable. He sold over 140 million records worldwide and his personas inspired generations of artists to challenge conventional norms. Blackstar, recorded in the knowledge of his impending death, is considered one of the greatest final albums in music history. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2023 as a solo artist.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-19