Legendary Artist David Bowie Has Passed Away (UPDATE)

UPDATE 1/11/16: Following the tragic news of David Bowie's passing, Columbia Records released an official statement writing, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of David Bowie. It was an honor and a privilege to release his music to the world." A tribute concert for Bowie was recently announced with the Roots, Cyndi Lauper, the Mountain Goats, Heart's Ann Wilson, Perry Farrell, and Jakob Dylan all set to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall. In the wake of Bowie's death, the tribute concert will proceed as a memorial concert instead, according to Rolling Stone.

See below for the original story.

David Bowie has passed away after a 18-month battle with cancer, according to his official social media accounts.

The legendary musician was known to excel in various genres, including glam rock, art rock, soul, hard rock, dance pop, punk and electronica. During his 40-year career that spans over 20 albums, Bowie scored his first hit in 1969 with "Space Oddity." He became popular in America for hit singles like “Fame” and “Let’s Dance.” He was an icon of the ‘80s, and became an inspiration for contemporary artists like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who paid homage to him in their song, “And We Danced.”

Bowie, who was born David Jones in London on January 8, 1947, was also known for his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, which helped elevate his popularity in the glam rock era. As an artist who pushed the style, he contributed his production to albums by Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.

His son, Duncan Jones, confirmed his death on Twitter:

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Celebrities and fans shared their appreciation for Bowie's legacy after hearing the news:

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

Never imagined a world without him. He has ascended into the cosmos from whence he came. Farewell, David Bowie

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 11, 2016

Glad to have somehow touched the life of David Bowie, sad to see him go. Wish I could have met him.

— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) January 11, 2016

Rip David Bowie

— FERG (@ASAPferg) January 11, 2016

Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of @DavidBowieReal David Bowie's passing RIP

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016

Bowie recently turned 69 on Friday (Jan. 8), and celebrated the occasion with the release of his new album, Blackstar, which was influenced by Kendrick Lamar's music.