Supermodel and activist Iman has recently opened up about her experience of grief following the death of her husband, iconic musician David Bowie. Speaking in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 20th anniversary celebration of (RED) at Electric Lady Studios in New York City on September 9, Iman reflected on how she initially set aside her own feelings to support their daughter, Lexi, during a particularly challenging time.
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David Bowie passed away in January 2016 at the age of 69 after a brave battle with liver cancer. Iman revealed that shortly after his death, her priority shifted to helping their then-15-year-old daughter navigate the emotional turmoil of losing a parent. “At the beginning, I had a teenager. I was so busy trying to get her through that, so I didn’t pay attention to my own grief,” she said, acknowledging that while she was focused on being strong for Lexi, her own sorrow took a back seat.
The 71-year-old model admitted that her grief came later than she had anticipated. “So actually, my grief came later,” she explained, highlighting the complexity of processing loss while simultaneously caring for another person in pain. Though she eventually allowed herself to confront her feelings, Iman made it clear that she did not want to linger in sadness.
“There comes a point when you don’t want every thought of someone you love who has passed away to reduce you to tears,” she articulated. “Because that’s not what they would want.” Iman emphasized her commitment to cherishing Bowie’s memory in a way that reflects the joy they shared during their time together. “It’s about trying to keep the memory alive that is joyful,” she added.
In the years following Bowie’s death, Iman has consistently found ways to celebrate their life together. She frequently shares tributes and memories of Bowie on her Instagram, especially on meaningful occasions such as Father’s Day or their wedding anniversary. The couple first crossed paths on a blind date in Los Angeles in 1990, and Bowie famously described it as “love at first sight.” However, Iman admitted that it took her several months to fully embrace her feelings for him.
They married in 1992, first in a private ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, before holding a second celebration later that year in Florence, Italy. Their daughter Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones was born in August 2000. Additionally, Iman has a son from a previous relationship. Throughout her journey of mourning, she has continued to feel a strong connection to Bowie. In an interview from 2021, she remarked, “I still feel married.” She strongly disagreed when someone referred to Bowie as her “late husband,” insisting that he remains her husband in spirit. “Through my memory, my love lives,” she affirmed.
Iman has also made a permanent tribute to Bowie on her body; in January 2023, she got a tattoo on her wrist commemorating both the ten-year anniversary of his passing and the release of his final album, “Blackstar.” The tattoo features the word “Bowie” fashioned in stars, a deeply personal reminder of their shared life.
The supermodel’s reflections underscore a universal element of grief — the importance of finding a balance between sorrow and celebration. As Iman continues to navigate her feelings, she remains committed to honouring the man she loved while living her life fully for herself and her daughter.
Through her journey, Iman has shown that while grief can be overwhelming, it can also lead to moments of joy and remembrance. Her story serves as an encouragement not only for those suffering loss but for anyone looking to find meaning and hope in difficult times.