Last photo of David Bowie found him dapper, laughing, full of vitality

The charisma and vitality of David Bowie was perfectly captured in the last ever photo taken of the music legend.

The beautiful picture was posted on Bowie's official Instagram page on Friday, Jan. 8 — just two days before he died following an 18-month battle with cancer. It was taken by his longtime photographer, Jimmy King, as part of a promotional shoot.

Celebrating his 69th birthday, the "Let's Dance" singer was wearing a classic trilby hat, a dark fitted suit and a huge cheerful grin in the already iconic image.

Also Read: David Bowie, Legendary Singer and Style Icon, Dead at 69

It was accompanied by a caption that read:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID BOWIE. That's the message that I sent…" Why is this man so happy? Is it because it's his 69th birthday or that he has released his 28th studio album today and it's a corker?

"Who knows, but we're sure you'll want to join us in congratulating him on both."

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Realizing that the end was near even though millions of fans were unaware, Iman posted a number of photos of her husband on Instagam over the days leading up to his death, ranging from his flamboyant Ziggy Stardust days to a dashing shot on stage with Tina Turner in the '80s.

Iman and Bowie had been married since 1992. He is also survived by two children, Duncan Jones, from a previous relationship, and Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones, with Iman.

Also Read: David Bowie's Wife Iman Posted Messages Foreshadowing Musician's Death

Bowie achieved massive global success for over four decades with hit songs and albums such as "Starman," "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," "Fame," "Young Americans," "China Girl," "Modern Love," "Rebel, Rebel," "All the Young Dudes," "Panic in Detroit," "Fashion" and "Life on Mars."