7 Secrets Behind David Bowie's Two Marriages: From 'Showbusiness' To 'Greatest Achievement'

The enduring fascination with David Bowie's personal life, particularly his two marriages, continues to captivate fans and biographers alike. As of today, December 10, 2025, retrospective articles frequently highlight the two dramatically different relationships that defined his adult life: the tumultuous, career-driven union with Angie Bowie and the intensely private, decades-long partnership with supermodel Iman. These two marriages were not merely personal milestones; they were foundational to the evolution of the artist known as David Bowie, shaping his public persona, his emotional stability, and his legacy as a husband and father.

The story of the Starman's romantic life is a study in contrasts, moving from the chaotic, boundary-pushing energy of the 1970s rock scene to a quiet, grounded domesticity that few expected from the rock icon. From the creation of his most famous alter egos to his final years, Bowie's wives played pivotal roles, culminating in a love story with Iman that he famously called his "greatest achievement." This deep dive explores the unique dynamics, key facts, and lasting impact of both of David Bowie's marriages.

David Bowie: A Biographical Profile

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a revolutionary English singer, songwriter, and actor, celebrated for his dramatic musical transformations and visual presentation. His career spanned five decades, influencing countless artists across multiple genres.

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• Full Name: David Robert Jones
• Born: January 8, 1947, Brixton, London, England
• Died: January 10, 2016, New York, New York, U.S. (Age 69)
• Wives: Mary Angela "Angie" Barnett (m. 1970; div. 1980); Iman Abdulmajid (m. 1992; d. 2016)
• Children: Duncan Jones (son, with Angie); Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones (daughter, with Iman)
• Key Personas: Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke
• Key Albums: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Hunky Dory (1971), Low (1977), Heroes (1977), Blackstar (2016)
• Career Highlights: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1996); sold an estimated 140 million records worldwide.

The Angie Bowie Era: A 'Showbusiness Marriage' and the Birth of Ziggy

David Bowie's first marriage to Mary Angela Barnett, known as Angie Bowie, was a partnership born out of the burgeoning London rock scene and a mutual ambition for stardom. Their union lasted from 1970 to 1980, coinciding with Bowie's most explosive period of creative and personal experimentation.

The Open Dynamic. The relationship was famously non-traditional from the start. Angie herself described it as a "showbusiness marriage," a partnership designed to propel David's career. The couple was known for their open lifestyle, and Angie has often spoken about the marriage being "open" from the beginning, a detail that reflects the era's counter-culture movement.

The Architect of Persona. Crucially, Angie is credited as a key collaborator in the development of Bowie's iconic stage personas. She was instrumental in helping to craft the look and concept of *Ziggy Stardust*, the androgynous, bisexual alien rock star that launched Bowie into international fame. The marriage was less about quiet domesticity and more about a high-voltage, creative co-existence that blurred the lines between personal life and performance art.

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The Legacy of Duncan Jones. In 1971, they welcomed their only child, Zowie, who later changed his name to Duncan Jones. Duncan Jones has since become a successful film producer and director, notably of the critically acclaimed movie *Moon*. Following their divorce in 1980, David and Angie reportedly had no contact for over four decades, a stark indication of the finality of their separation.

Iman: The Enduring Love Story He Called His 'Greatest Achievement'

In stark contrast to his first marriage, David Bowie's 23-year union with Somali-American supermodel and entrepreneur Iman Abdulmajid was characterized by intense privacy, deep devotion, and a grounding stability that marked a new chapter in his life.

The Fateful First Meeting. The couple first met in 1990 after being introduced by a mutual hairdresser friend, Teddy Antolin, in Los Angeles. Bowie was instantly smitten, later describing the moment he saw her as a thunderbolt. Iman, initially apprehensive about dating a rock star, was won over by his gentlemanly demeanor and profound sincerity.

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A Private Ceremony in Florence. They were married in a private civil ceremony on April 24, 1992, in Lausanne, Switzerland. This was followed by a much-publicized, yet still intimate, church service in Florence, Italy, on June 6, 1992. The wedding was a lavish, romantic affair, but the marriage itself was fiercely protected from the public eye. They made a conscious decision to share their relationship with each other, not the public.

A New Domesticity. Bowie often spoke about how Iman gave him a sense of peace and normalcy. He transitioned from the restless, shape-shifting rock god to a devoted family man, living a quiet life in New York and other residences. When asked what he considered his greatest achievement, Bowie famously replied: "Marrying my wife." This quote perfectly encapsulates the value he placed on their partnership, prioritizing it even over his legendary musical career.

Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones. The couple welcomed their daughter, Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones, in 2000. Lexi's birth further solidified their bond and commitment to a grounded family life. Iman, an accomplished model and entrepreneur, and Bowie maintained a relationship that was both a power couple pairing and a deeply traditional, loving family unit.

The Lasting Legacy of Two Wives and Two Children

The two marriages of David Bowie are essential to understanding his personal and creative journey. Angie was the catalyst for the revolutionary *Ziggy Stardust* persona, a necessary force for the chaotic genius of the 1970s. Iman was the anchor for the mature artist, providing the stability that allowed him to thrive until his passing in 2016 from liver cancer.

The Financial and Emotional Estate. Upon his death, Bowie left an estate valued at around $100 million, which was primarily divided between Iman and his two children, Duncan Jones and Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones. His will also stipulated that his ashes be scattered in Bali, reflecting his personal spiritual interests.

Iman's Continued Devotion. Iman has consistently honored their bond, often referencing their enduring love in the years following his death. She has maintained that she will never remarry, stating that Bowie remains her husband and their love story continues to be an inspiration to many. The longevity of their marriage—23 years—is a rare achievement in the celebrity world. Their relationship stands as a testament to the fact that even the most transformative rock icon could find profound, lasting peace in a committed partnership.

The entities woven throughout Bowie’s life—from his early collaborator Tony Visconti and his work on the Berlin Trilogy albums (*Low*, *Heroes*) to the theatricality of *Labyrinth* and the final, poignant album *Blackstar*—all ultimately lead back to the two women who shared his life. His marriages were not footnotes; they were central chapters in the story of David Bowie, the man behind the star.