'Magic for a Lifetime': Bowie Tributes Pour In

Things are far from hunky-dory for millions of David Bowie fans who woke Monday to learn the beloved star has died at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. Tributes have poured in from across the world, with even the Vatican's culture minister paying his respects with some lyrics from "Space Oddity." A selection:

• "Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God's love be with you," tweeted Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from the Vatican.
• "Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all," tweeted Duncan Jones, Bowie's son from his first marriage.
• "Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer—his music was an inspiration to many," tweeted British astronaut Tim Peake from the International Space Station.

• "David's friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is," tweeted Iggy Pop.
• "His death was no different from his life—a work of Art," producer Tony Visconti wrote in a Facebook post. "He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift," Visconti wrote, referring to the album Bowie released Friday. "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."
• "David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime," tweeted Kanye West.
• "I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie," tweeted Ricky Gervais, hours after hosting the Golden Globes.

(More David Bowie stories.)