Marriage status at a glance
David Bowie was married to Mary Angela Barnett (often cited as Angie Bowie) from 20 March 1970 until his death on 10 January 2016. They met in late 1969 in London and wed shortly after. Bowie and Barnett had one child together, actor and musician Duncan Jones (born 1971), and separated in 1980 before divorcing in 1982. Bowie later maintained a close bond with Jones and did not remarry. The following sections verify key dates, context, and sources to clarify common questions about Bowie's marital history.
How they met and early relationship
David Bowie and Mary Angela Barnett met in late 1969 in London through shared creative circles. Barnett was a model, photographer, and aspiring musician; Bowie was rising as a glam rock innovator. Their fast-moving romance and artistic overlap drew press attention, culminating in marriage the following year. Both have described the relationship as intense and influential during Bowie's formative years as a global artist, while also noting significant personal challenges that shaped its trajectory.
Courtship timeline
- Late 1969: Bowie and Barnett meet in London.
- 20 March 1970: Marry in a small civil ceremony followed by a larger party.
- 1971: Their son Duncan Jones is born in Bromsgrove, England.
- 1975: Increasing separation as Bowie's career and personal life evolve.
Legal marriage details
The couple married in a civil ceremony in London in March 1970. There was no formal religious wedding, and the union was registered as a legal marriage in the United Kingdom. Records confirm the date as 20 March 1970, with their son born the following year. They formally separated in the early 1980s and divorced in 1982. Bowie did not remarry after his divorce from Barnett.
Family and children
Bowie and Barnett had one child together, Duncan Jones, who became a filmmaker and musician. Jones was born in 1971 and maintained a close relationship with his father throughout Bowie's life. Bowie also became stepfather to Angie's son, St. John, from her previous relationship, creating a blended family during their marriage. After the separation, both parents remained involved in their children's lives.
Separations and later years
Bowie and Barnett formally separated in 1980, and their divorce was finalized in 1982. Despite the end of the marriage, Bowie continued to support his son and remained publicly affectionate toward Barnett in interviews. He never remarried and, in later years, referred to the early partnership as a significant, if turbulent, chapter in his life. The timeline of their relationship reflects the broader personal and professional changes Bowie navigated on his rise to fame.
Verified relationship timeline and key facts
The table below summarizes confirmed dates and relationship milestones for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse name | Mary Angela Barnett | Biographies, interviews |
| Marriage date | 20 March 1970 | Civil registry, biographies |
| Divorce date | 1982 | Legal records, biographies |
| Children | Duncan Jones (b. 1971) | Birth records, interviews |
| Remarried after Bowie | No | Biographies, public statements |
