The charisma and vitality of David Bowie were perfectly captured in the last known photo of the music legend.
The picture was posted on Bowie’s official Instagram page on Friday, Jan. 8 — just two days before he died following an 18-month battle with cancer. It was taken by his longtime photographer, Jimmy King, as part of a promotional shoot.
Celebrating his 69th birthday, the “Let’s Dance” singer was wearing a classic trilby hat, a dark fitted suit and a huge cheerful grin.
The shot was accompanied by a caption that read in part: “Why is this man so happy? Is it because it’s his 69th birthday or that he has released his 28th studio album today and it’s a corker?
“Who knows, but we’re sure you’ll want to join us in congratulating him on both.”
Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar,” was released on Friday and was set to be honored at a concert at Carnegie Hall on March 31 featuring the Roots, Cyndi Lauper and the Mountain Goats. The album features the haunting song “Lazarus,” which opens with the lyrics: “Look up here, I’m in Heaven!”
Realizing that the end was near even though millions of fans were unaware, Iman posted a number of photos of her husband on Instagam in the days leading up to his death, ranging from his flamboyant Ziggy Stardust days to a dashing shot on stage with Tina Turner in the ’80s.
Iman and Bowie had been married since 1992. He is also survived by two children, Duncan Jones and Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones, from a previous relationship.
Bowie achieved massive global success for over four decades with hit songs and albums such as “Starman,” “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” “Fame,” “Young Americans,” “China Girl,” “Modern Love,” “Rebel, Rebel,” “All the Young Dudes,” “Panic in Detroit,” “Fashion” and “Life on Mars.”
See the Instagram post below.