David Bowie’s family said it planned a private ceremony to celebrate the late rock legend, honouring his wishes to remain discreet about his death.
Bowie, one of pop culture’s most influential figures whose career took him from glam rock to soul to science fiction films, died on Sunday after an undisclosed 18-month battle with cancer.
Few other details have emerged.
“The family of David Bowie is currently making arrangements for a private ceremony celebrating the memory of their beloved husband, father and friend,” said a statement on Bowie’s official Facebook page.
“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.”
Representatives for the London-born artiste declined to comment on a report in the Daily Mirror that said his body was cremated in New York, his adopted home, immediately after his death.
People close to him said that Bowie wanted to keep his illness away from the glare of 24-hour social media.
He instead released a final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday on Friday in what in retrospect was an elaborate artistic statement on his death and nearly half-century career.
In the words of photographer Annie Leibovitz, “he really curated his death.”
Bowie’s death triggered an outpouring of mourning, with fans around the world leaving flowers, candles and glitter on sites associated with the artist, and leading musicians including Elton John and Madonna covering his songs live.
“It is important to note that while the concerts and tributes planned for the coming weeks are all welcome, none are official memorials organised or endorsed by the family,” the Facebook statement said.
“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.”
In an eerie coincidence, a tribute concert to Bowie at New York’s Carnegie Hall had been announced just moments before his death.
Performers for the March 31 concert, which sold out quickly, include Cyndi Lauper - whose flamboyant appearance in the 1980s showed a clear influence of Bowie - and Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, who brought a broader audience to alternative rock in the early 1990s.
Organisers late Thursday announced that the tribute would extend to a second night on April 1 at Radio City Music Hall, another prominent, but larger venue in New York.
“The unexpected death of David Bowie has turned this tribute, which we have worked on for the past seven months, into a memorial concert,” organisers said in a statement.