David Bowie's family planning private funeral

David Bowie will be remembered in a private ceremony, his family said on Thursday, thanking fans for their support after the British rock star's death from cancer on Sunday but repeating requests for privacy.

'We welcome everyone's celebration of his life as they see fit,' family says

Thomson Reuters Posted: Jan 15, 2016 10:27 AM EST | Last Updated: January 15, 2016

Though David Bowie's family members are planning a private funeral, 'we welcome everyone's celebration of his life as they see fit,' they said. (Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty)

David Bowie will be remembered in a private ceremony, his family said on Thursday,thanking fans fortheir support after the British rock star's death from cancer on Sunday but repeating requests for privacy.

David Bowie's musical career in 10 songs
PHOTOS |David Bowie 1947-2016

The statement on Bowie's official Facebook page followed British media reports that the 69 year-old Space Odditysinger has already been cremated quietly in New York without his friends or family in attendance. Reuters could not confirm the reports and Bowie's representatives did not return requests for comment.

"The family of David Bowie is currently making arrangements for a private ceremony celebrating the memory of their belovedhusband, father and friend," the family's statement said.

It wasdated from England but gave no details about where or when theceremony might take place.

"They ask once again that their privacy be respected at this most sensitive of times. We are overwhelmed by and grateful forthe love and support shown throughout the world."

Bowie's death after a secret 18-month battle with cancer andtwo days after releasing a new album caused shock and dismayaround the world and sent sales soaring of both his old and newmusic.

The album Blackstar,now seen as Bowie's self-styledepitaph, is expected to top music charts in Britain and the

United States next week.U.S. Sales of Blackstarincreased 1,055 per cent once thenews broke of his death, according to Nielsen.

Radio airplay increased 1,134 per cent from Sunday to Monday,at Nielsen Music-monitored U.S. terrestrial radio stations, itadded.

While fans and commercial enterprises have planned tributesand concerts for Bowie, including one in New York's CarnegieHall in March, his family said on Thursday that "none areofficial memorials organized or endorsed by the family."

"Just as each and every one of us found something unique inDavid's music, we welcome everyone's celebration of his life asthey see fit," the statement added.

Bowie is survived by his model wife Iman of 24 years, adultson Duncan Jones and teenage daughter Alexandria.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News

Corrections and clarifications|Submit a news tip|

David Bowie's family planning private funeral

'We welcome everyone's celebration of his life as they see fit,' family says

Related Stories