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The statement on Bowie's official Facebook page followed
British media reports that the 69 year-old "Space Oddity" singer
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 beloved
husband, father and friend," the family's statement said. It was
dated from England but gave no details about where or when the
ceremony might take place.
"They ask once again that their privacy be respected at this
most sensitive of times. We are overwhelmed by and grateful for
the love and support shown throughout the world."
Bowie's death after a secret 18-month battle with cancer and two
days after releasing a new album caused shock and dismay around
the world and sent sales soaring of both his old and new music.
The album "Blackstar," now seen as Bowie's self-styled epitaph,
is expected to top music charts in Britain and the United States
next week.
U.S. Sales of "Blackstar" increased 1,055 percent once the news
broke of his death, according to Nielsen.
Radio airplay increased 1,134 percent from Sunday to Monday, at
Nielsen Music-monitored U.S. terrestrial radio stations, it
added.
While fans and commercial enterprises have planned tributes and
concerts for Bowie, including one in New York's Carnegie Hall in
March, his family said on Thursday that "none are official
memorials organized or endorsed by the family."
"Just as each and every one of us found something unique in
David's music, we welcome everyone’s celebration of his life as
they see fit," the statement added.
Bowie is survived by his model wife Iman of 24 years, adult son
Duncan Jones and teenage daughter Alexandria.
(Reporting By Jill Serjeant; editing by Grant McCool)
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