Shortly before her husband David Bowie died in January following a private battle with cancer, Iman revealed the secrets to their lasting marriage.

The Somalian model took part in OWN's Oprah: Where Are They Now? series, in an episode which aired on Saturday.

In the poignant interview, Iman discussed how she and David - who she was married to for 24 years before his death aged 69 - left their celebrity alter egos at the door when they were together.

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'We both understand the difference between the person and the persona': Iman revealed the secret to her lasting marriage with David Bowie shortly before his death in January. They are seen here together in 2011

'We both understand the difference between the person and the persona,' the 60-year-old explained. 'When we are home, we are just Iman and David. We’re not anybody else.'

Iman also said that she thinks the key to a strong relationship is ensuring that you are both in the right place to settle down.

'I think the secret to a lasting marriage is timing, first of all,' she said. 'You have to be at the right time in your life that you’re ready for an everlasting relationship, that it becomes first, and a priority in life.

'If your career is important to you, don’t get married and have children, because something will give.'

See more on David Bowie as his widow Iman reveals what made their 24-year marriage last

Happy marriage: The model filmed an interview with OWN's Oprah: Where Are They Now? before her husband died following a private battle with cancer

Iman added: 'I know as women we want to be able to have it all, but we can’t have it all at the same time.

'So make your priority of what you want at that time. And sometimes you don’t even have to get married. Why do you have to get married?'

The clip began with Iman in her office, talking about her daily tasks - which involve organising photo shoots and looking at products. She then said: 'By three o’clock I’m out of here. Then I become total wife.'

'We're not anybody else': Iman explained that she and David left their celebrity alter egos at the door when they were home together

'You have to be ready for an everlasting relationship': The 60-year-old added that 'timing' played a key part in her 24-year marriage

The star also joked: 'People say, “But do you give him fashion tips?” What are you, crazy? We’re talking about David Bowie. He is fashion.'

Iman and David married in Lausanne, Switzerland on April 24, 1992 in a private ceremony. They held a second wedding in Florence that June.

The model and the late musician have 15-year-old daughter Alexandria, known as Lexi.

Tragic: Iman had been filmed to discuss her everyday life for the episode, which aired over the weekend

Sombre: The widower was seen looking downcast as she went for a walk in New York City on Sunday

David previously fathered 44-year-old son Duncan Zowie during his marriage Angie Bowie from 1970 to 1980, while Iman has 37-year-old daughter Zulekha from her marriage to Spencer Haywood from 1977 to 19877.

Following the release of the interview, Iman looked sombre when she was spotted going for a walk in New York City on Sunday.

Tragically the model recently lost her mother Maryan Baadi - just two months after David's death.