David Bowie: From Vatican to space, tributes flood in for late musician

Politicians, musicians and fans around the world -- from the Vatican to the International Space Station -- paid tribute to David Bowie on Monday, following his death at 69 from cancer.

Taking to Twitter or Facebook, many praised Bowie's groundbreaking music and offered their own recollections of the singer, known for a string of hits such as "Space Oddity" and "Let's Dance".

Below are some of the tributes to Bowie, who released his last album "Blackstar" on Friday, also his birthday:

DUNCAN JONES, BOWIE'S SON, POSTING A PICTURE OF THE SINGER ON TWITTER:

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

TONY VISCONTI, MUSIC PRODUCER AND LONG-TERM BOWIE COLLABORATOR:

"He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made 'Blackstar' for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry."

QUEEN OFFICIAL TWITTER ACCOUNT, POSTING A VIDEO OF "UNDER PRESSURE":

"This is our last dance..."

GARY KEMP, ACTOR AND SPANDAU BALLET MEMBER:

"Shocked to the core."

"It feels as if the world has suddenly gone out of joint."

DAVID CAMERON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER:

"I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss."

KANYE WEST, RAPPER:

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

GIANFRANCO RAVASI, CARDINAL AND HEAD OF THE VATICAN'S CULTURE COUNCIL, QUOTING "SPACE ODDITY" LYRICS:

"Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God's love be with you (David Bowie)"

TIM PEAKE, BRITISH ASTRONAUT, CURRENTLY ONBOARD INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION:

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

RICKY GERVAIS, COMEDIAN:

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

GENE SIMMONS, ROCK SINGER:

"David Bowie, you will be sorely missed. Bowie's 'Changes' and the Ziggy story songs were a major influence for me."

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