David Bowie Dead at 69: Country Stars Pay Tribute

David Bowie’s influence reached well into country music circles, and his death at the age of 69 has left many famous singers grieving. Keith Urban, Jennifer Nettles and Cassadee Pope are three who learned news on Monday morning (Jan. 11) and took to Twitter or Instagram to send thoughts and prayers to the music community.

A few quoted Bowie directly, while others — like Jaren Johnston from the Cadillac Three — just reflected on his influence. Bowie’s died Jan. 10 after a very private 18-month battle with cancer. Ultimate Classic Rock reports that his cancer diagnosis was previously undisclosed.

On Friday — Bowie’ 69th birthday — the man once known as Ziggy Stardust released Blackstar, an album his producer Tony Visconti says was planned as a farewell gift to fans.

“He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift,” Visconti writes on Facebook. “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.”

Many in the country world are indeed shedding tears for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

See Country Stars Who Died in 2015