Iman, the 70-year-old model and wife of the late David Bowie, has found a way to keep his memory alive through a new form of art—tattoos. On January 10th, she shared a post on Instagram revealing her latest piece of body art, which is a tribute to her husband’s legacy.
The tattoo features the five-star symbols from Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar,” which spell out his name. Iman captioned the post with a heartfelt message: “The pain didn’t vanish .. it left in its place a loving permanent mark.” She also used the hashtag #BowieForever, a nod to the enduring love she still feels for the iconic musician.
The post was accompanied by a clip of Bowie’s 1977 song “Subterraneans,” adding a musical touch to the tribute. The timing of the post was significant, as it coincided with what would have been Bowie’s 79th birthday. Iman also shared a black-and-white photo of the rock star, writing, “Happy Heavenly Birthday. Your light burns so bright in all our hearts! We love and miss you #BowieForever.”
Bowie passed away in 2016 at the age of 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer. His final album, “Blackstar,” was released on his birthday, January 8th, 2016. An official statement on his Facebook page read, “David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”
The couple met through a blind date in 1990 and were married two years later. In 2000, they welcomed their daughter, Alexandria Zahara Jones. Their love story has been one of the most celebrated in the entertainment world, and Iman has never let go of the bond they shared.
In an interview with PEOPLE in 2021, Iman spoke about her feelings toward her late husband. “I still feel married,” she said. “Someone a few years ago referred to David as my late husband, and I said, ‘No, he’s not my late husband. He’s my husband.’ Through my memory, my love lives.”
Beyond his music, Bowie was known for his advocacy for Black artists and culture. In 1983, he publicly criticized MTV for not playing music videos by Black musicians. During an interview with VJ Mark Goodman, he expressed frustration over the lack of representation.
“I’m just floored that by the fact that there’s so few black artists featured on it. Why is that?” he asked. He went on to challenge the network, pointing out that Black artists were often only shown late at night, while others received more prominent airtime.
Bowie’s comments sparked a conversation about diversity in media, and his efforts helped pave the way for more inclusion. Later that year, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” gained massive exposure on MTV, marking a turning point for Black artists in the industry.
Iman continues to honor her husband’s legacy in various ways, from sharing memories on social media to supporting causes he cared about. Her recent tattoo is another testament to the lasting impact Bowie has had on her life.
A Lasting Legacy
David Bowie’s influence extends far beyond his music. He was a pioneer who challenged norms and used his platform to advocate for change. His work in promoting Black artists and pushing for diversity in media remains relevant today.
Iman’s tribute to Bowie is a reminder of the deep connection between them and the enduring nature of their love. As she continues to celebrate his life, she also keeps his spirit alive for future generations.
Her actions show that even after a decade, the pain of losing someone special hasn’t faded. Instead, it has transformed into something beautiful—a permanent mark that symbolizes love, memory, and legacy.
