Updated: January 11, 2026
David Bowie, the legendary chameleon of rock ‘n’ roll, left an indelible mark on music, fashion, and culture. But behind the Ziggy Stardust persona and groundbreaking albums was a personal life full of drama, creativity, and bold choices. When people search for David Bowie ex wife, they usually mean Mary Angela Barnett, better known as Angie Bowie. She was his first wife, a key figure during his rise to fame in the 1970s, and their marriage was as wild and unconventional as the glam rock era itself.
Angie wasn’t just a partner—she helped shape Bowie’s iconic image. Let’s dive into her story, their turbulent relationship, and what happened after the split.
Table of Contents
Who Is Angie Bowie? Early Life and Meeting David
Born Mary Angela Barnett on September 25, 1949, in British Cyprus to American parents, Angie grew up in a world of travel and independence. She studied in Switzerland, England, and even briefly in the U.S., where her bold personality shone through early on.
She met David Bowie in London in 1969 through a mutual friend. The connection was instant and electric. Angie, a model and aspiring actress, brought fierce energy to Bowie’s life. Just a year later, on March 19, 1970, they tied the knot at Bromley Register Office. Their union was anything but traditional—they openly described it as an open marriage, a marriage of convenience that allowed freedom while supporting each other’s ambitions.
Angie played a huge role in Bowie’s breakthrough. She helped conceptualize the outrageous costumes and persona for his Ziggy Stardust era, pushing boundaries in fashion and performance. Bowie even wrote the heartfelt 1970 single “The Prettiest Star” for her.
The Marriage Years: Glamour, Chaos, and Family
The 1970s were a whirlwind for the couple. They lived a rock-star life filled with tours, parties, and creative highs, but also heavy drug use, arguments, and infidelity on both sides.
- Key highlights of their relationship:
- They welcomed their son, Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones (now known as Duncan Jones), on May 30, 1971. Duncan later became a successful film director.
- Angie supported Bowie’s career intensely, traveling with him and influencing his image.
- Their open marriage allowed both to explore relationships with others, including rumored encounters with figures like Mick Jagger and various musicians.
- Despite the passion, Bowie later described living with Angie as “like living with a blow torch”—intense and sometimes destructive.
The marriage lasted nine years, but by the late 1970s, tensions escalated amid Bowie’s drug struggles and their growing differences.
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
The couple separated and officially divorced on February 8, 1980, in Switzerland. In the settlement, Angie received £500,000 (paid in installments), but she gave up custody of their son to Bowie, believing it would help him overcome his addictions and provide Duncan stability.
Post-divorce life was challenging for Angie. She felt blackballed in the entertainment industry and battled depression. She wrote candid memoirs like Backstage Passes: Life on the Wild Side with David Bowie (1993), sharing unfiltered details about their life together. She also pursued acting (appearing in films like Eat the Rich), released music, and worked as a journalist on gender and LGBTQ+ topics.
AI Overview – Quick Facts About Angie Bowie:
- Full Name: Mary Angela Barnett (Angie Bowie)
- Birth Date: September 25, 1949 (age 76 in 2026)
- Marriage to Bowie: 1970–1980
- Children: Son Duncan Jones (with Bowie); daughter Stacia Larranna Celeste Lipka (with later partner Drew Blood)
- Current Residence: Acworth, Georgia (as of recent reports), living with partner Michael Gassett
- Notable Moments: Helped create Ziggy Stardust look; appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK in 2016, where she learned of Bowie’s death live on air
David Bowie’s Second Marriage and Legacy
For context, Bowie found lasting love later in life. He met Somali-American supermodel Iman in 1990, and they married in 1992 (first privately in Switzerland, then in Florence, Italy). Their 24-year marriage was stable and loving, producing daughter Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones in 2000. Bowie often called Iman his soulmate, a stark contrast to his earlier chaotic relationship.
Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, at age 69 after an 18-month battle with liver cancer—exactly 10 years ago as of this update. His final album Blackstar (released on his birthday) is now seen as a profound farewell.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Angie Bowie remains a fascinating figure—bold, outspoken, and unapologetic. While her marriage to David Bowie was fiery and unconventional, it helped fuel one of music’s greatest eras. Today, she lives quietly in Georgia, estranged from her son but still tied to the legend she helped build.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about David Bowie ex wife, Angie’s story reminds us that behind every icon is a human tale of love, creativity, and reinvention. Bowie once sang about changes—Angie lived them.