Iman and the Starman: The Story of David Bowie’s Wife

Credits: BT.dk

The British rock icon David Bowie’s long, illustrious career and enigmatic personality attracted immense attention. Less is frequently spoken, however, about the significant others who shared in his private world.

This article aims to shed light on the women tied to the life of the Starman singer, focusing specifically on David Bowie’s wife, the accomplished Iman Bowie. 

Iman: David Bowie’s Great Love 

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, born in Somalia on July 25, 1955, gained global fame for her modeling career and acting, making her mark in the world even before marrying the late music icon David Bowie. She is particularly remembered for gracing the runways for esteemed fashion houses such as Gianni Versace, Halston, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Iman’s first marriage was to a Somali entrepreneur when she was just 18 years old, but it ended after she relocated to the United States. In 1990, she crossed paths with David Bowie, thanks to a surprising blind date arranged by their mutual friend, Teddy Antolin, in Los Angeles.

Antolin, a renowned hairdresser, had invited Iman to a dinner gathering. Upon her arrival, she was surprised to find only four attendees, one of whom was David Bowie. The night culminated with him offering to take Iman home.

After that first date, Iman and David’s friendship blossomed into love, and they decided to commit. In 1992, they celebrated their love in a private wedding ceremony in Switzerland, later followed by a ceremony in Florence, Italy.

From then on, they were inseparable – their life together lasted until the painful loss of Bowie. On January 10, 2016, Bowie passed away at his New York City apartment, leaving behind his beloved wife and children. 

Iman Bowie: Businesswoman and Influencer

While dealing with profound loss, the supermodel and businesswoman didn’t allow her personal pain to disrupt her professional life. Iman has consistently proven herself in the business world with her highly successful cosmetics line.

Known as IMAN Cosmetics, her brand centers on producing beauty products specifically created for women of color, a segment she felt was underrepresented in the cosmetics industry. 

In addition to her flourishing business, Iman maintains a strong Instagram presence. Known for her timeless beauty and grace, she uses the platform not only to connect with her long-time fans but also to interact with a new, younger audience.

Her Instagram feed @the_real_iman is a colorful mishmash of her personal life, professional engagements, throwback pictures from her modeling days with Bowie, and her advocacy for racial and social justice issues. 

With over 800k followers, she remains an influential figure today, reaching out to audiences worldwide. Her posts often carry thoughtful messages, highlighting her wisdom gained from years of living a public life.

Whether sharing snippets from her radiant photo shoots or delving into heartfelt memories shared with Bowie, Iman’s Instagram presence is as enchanting as she is, allowing her to connect meaningfully with her followers.

Angela Barnett: Bowie’s First Wife 

David Bowie’s first wife was Mary Angela Barnett (74 years old), also known as Angie Bowie. They tied the knot in 1970 and had a son, Duncan Jones.

Their union, however, was characterized by tumult and ended in a divorce finalized in 1980, with Angie reportedly receiving a settlement but forfeiting custody and future earnings from Bowie’s music. The few times she spoke about the marriage later, Angie described it as challenging and disruptive to her own identity.

Bowie’s First Son: Duncan Jones, the Award-Winning Director

Born Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones on May 30, 1971, in London, he holds the distinct honor of being David Bowie’s first child, born of his union with his former spouse, Angie. 

While David Bowie, often absent due to his active career, did not release his iconic Ziggy Stardust until a year after Duncan’s arrival, he was nonetheless a devoted father. Duncan’s upbringing comprised frequent relocations, including extended stays in Vevey, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany.

When his parents divorced, Duncan was entrusted to the care of his father, living under his roof until his enrollment at Gordonstoun, a co-educational boarding school in Scotland.

His moment in the spotlight came in 2009 with the release of his debut film, Moon. The film was commended by critics and received multiple nominations, with victories including Best British Independent Film and the Douglas Hickox Award.

Duncan continues to add more movies to his résumé, such as Source Code (2011), Warcraft (2016), and Mute (2018). He is currently focused on a film based on the 2000 AD Comics character Rogue Trooper.

Beyond his professional achievements, Duncan’s personal life includes a private marriage to photographer Rodene Roquillo and their two children, Stenton (born in 2016) and Zowie (born in 2018). The family currently resides in Los Angeles. Instead of basking in the limelight, Duncan prefers to maintain a low profile.

He maintains a close bond with his stepmother, Iman, and half-sister, Lexi, but has publicly acknowledged being estranged from his mother. Social media activity is minimal, visible only during significant events.

Daughter of the Starman: Alexandria “Lexi” Jones

Born on August 15, 2000, in the bustling city of New York, Alexandria “Lexi” Jones is part of a widely known family. 

Her parents, legendary musician David Bowie and supermodel Iman, had a strenuous journey to parenthood, their efforts even included in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Just as they were considering adoption, they discovered Iman was expecting. For them, Lexi was their long-awaited “miracle” child. Her name, Alexandria, was chosen as a tribute to the historic Greco-Egyptian city.  

Much about Lexi’s personal life remains undisclosed. However, Lexi actively engages on social media and frequently treats her followers to heartwarming images and footage featuring a softer, more familial side of the famous rockstar. Her posts often present her dad as a doting father, dancing and celebrating occasions within their New York home. 

As of today, Lexi has carved a successful path for herself in the realm of art, selling her original prints through her website; all of which are printed within New York City. While much speculation surrounds her current residence, with some conjecturing that she resides in LA closer to her brother, her social media landscape indicates that she leads a bi-coastal life between NYC and California. 

Farewell to The Blackstar: David Bowie’s Death 

David Bowie unexpectedly passed away at his residence in New York City on January 10, 2016. Unbeknownst to many, Bowie had been quietly battling liver cancer, a diagnosis he received 18 months prior.

His passing came just two days after his 26th, and tragically his final studio album, Blackstar, was released, a poignant milestone that coincided with his 69th birthday.

Despite his illness being kept under wraps, the impact of Bowie’s passing was felt globally. Fans and well-wishers in London, New York City, Berlin, and his other adopted cities commemorated him with heartfelt memorials.

After his death, there was an unprecedented spike in his albums and singles sales. Many musicians and prominent personalities paid tribute and expressed their sorrow.

The love story of David Bowie and Iman is a testament to the power of connection and understanding. Prepared to leave his bachelor life behind, Bowie found in Iman a partner willing to steer through life’s storms together.

On another note, Bowie’s passion for reading and learning is lesser known. The Starman reportedly read a book daily, showcasing a powerful thirst for knowledge, rather reminiscent of the services the Blinkist app offers.

Like Bowie’s, you can explore several Celebrity Stories with the Blinkist app. Why wait to dive into the world of books and learning? Remember, new subscribers can enjoy a free 7-day trial. Don’t miss out!

Start your free 7-day trial