Rock legend David Bowie passed away at the age of 69, confirmed his son.

A post shared on Bowie's official Facebook page read: "David Bowie died peacefully today (Sunday) 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."

His son Duncan Jones tweeted to confirm the news, reports abc.net.au.

"Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all," he shared.

Born David Jones here in 1947, Bowie enjoyed a string of worldwide hits from the late 1960s onwards.

Known for albums including Heroes, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and Hunky Dory, he established himself as one of the music's most innovative performers.

His first hit was in 1969 Space Oddity, which told the story of astronaut Major Tom. It was released in time to coincide with the Apollo 11 launch.

Entering the 1980s, Bowie's music became increasingly influenced by soul, disco and funk, while a burgeoning film career saw him appear in pictures including Labyrinth".

On January 9, Bowie marked his 69th birthday with the release of a new album, Blackstar, with critics giving the thumbs up to the latest work in a long and innovative career. The album features only seven songs.

The singer, songwriter, actor and artiste had returned to the music scene after 2013's chart-topping The next day, itself released after a 10-year gap.

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted his condolences: "I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss."

Bollywood celebrities like Madhur Bhandarkar, Shekhar Kapur and Vishal Dadlani have mourned the death of the legendary singer-songwriter Bowie.

The singer died on January 10 just two days after his 69th birthday.

Here is how the tinsel town celebs paid tribute on Twitter to the rocker:

Shekhar Kapur: My fav #DavidBowie song... blew us all away when it first came out 'Ground Control to Major Tom'

Anil Kapoor: Today a legendary songwriter and performer has left us. But his legacy will live on. Rest In Peace #DavidBowie.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Fond memories of picturising a fabulous remix of the song "Lets Dance" by #DavidBowie, for Page3 movie in 2005. RIP #DavidBowie.

Ranvir Shorey: Sad to see you go, @DavidBowieReal. Style Icon. Musical genius. Legend. RIP.

Vishal Dadlani: The great ones check out with their boots on. #DavidBowie #Lemmy #RIP.

Vir Das: Put the Bowie greatest hits album on - pay your tribute. Thank you for the music good sir!

Shruti Haasan: RIP David Bowie thank you for the amazing music, art and inspiration.