RIP David Bowie

David Bowie, unfortunately, has died. While those left here on this stable ground will miss you dearly, we know you’ve finally returned to the mothership.

According to a statement posted to the musician’s Facebook page and Twitter account:

January 10, 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today 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.

We lost a true original. A legend. Bowie, known for his eccentric personality, performances, and gender bending aesthetic, won over all of our hearts with 63 top 40 singles, eight number 1 albums, and two songs that went to number one, according to Billboard: “Let’s Dance” from 1983, and 1975’s “Fame” off the top 10 album “Young Americans.”

On Friday, Bowie released his 25th album, “Blackstar” on his birthday. His single, which seems like a planned out farewell, begins with the lyrics, “Look up here, I’m in heaven.”

We will not forget the inspiration you provided to so many of us queers as we fought to discover where we fit in. You helped us realize that we didn’t have to. Thank you. Rest in peace.