Tributes for iconic singer David Bowie

LONDON (AP) — Tributes have poured in for singer David Bowie, who died Sunday aged 69. Politicians, entertainers, actors and astronauts have expressed their sadness about his passing. Here is a look at some of the reactions:

Bowie's son, director Duncan Jones, posted a picture of his smiling father on Twitter:

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

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Astronaut Tim Peake, who is aboard the International Space Station:

"Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer - his music was an inspiration to many."

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German Foreign Office:

"Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall."

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The Rolling Stones:

"The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie. As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original."

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Madonna:

"Im Devastated! (sic) This great Artist changed my life! First concert i (sic) ever saw in Detroit!"

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Iggy Pop:

"David's friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is."

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Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling:

"I wish he could have stayed on earth longer. RIP."

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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC he remembered Bowie's early rise to stardom:

"I remember sitting listening to his songs endlessly in the '70s particularly and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had," Welby said. "Extraordinary person."

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British Prime Minister David Cameron:

"Genius is an over-used word but I think musically, creatively, artistically David Bowie was a genius."

"For someone of my age he provided a lot of the soundtrack of our lives."

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

"From the time I saw his Ziggy Stardust concert as a student, I thought he was a brilliant artist and an exciting and interesting human being."

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London Mayor Boris Johnson:

"No-one in our age has better deserved to be called a genius."

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Comedian Ricky Gervais:

"I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie."

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Rapper Kanye West:

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

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Singer Pharrell Williams:

"David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace."

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Actor Mark Ruffalo:

"Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always."

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