The music world is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its greatest performers, making it a dark day in the world of Margaritaville. Jimmy Buffett, who died at the age of 76 on Friday, September 1, had been battling skin cancer for the past four years. Our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.
In his final moments, Jimmy Buffett was surrounded by loved ones, friends, and, of course, music. Insiders revealed he began receiving hospice care a few weeks ago and even had the legendary Sir Paul McCartney perform at his home last week. He was literally “living his life in the sun,” a source shared with TMZ on Saturday.
Rest in Peace Jimmy Buffett.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 2, 2023
A legendary musician and mogul. pic.twitter.com/mOxfdcLqCA
People close to the case said he kept his skin cancer diagnosis a secret for more than four years before revealing it eventually turned into lymphoma. A statement on the singer’s official website said: “He lived his life as a song until his last breath and will be greatly missed.
Jimmy Buffett has been struggling with his health lately, forcing him to postpone a number of appearances over the past year. He last performed in May 2022 at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and his May 2023 performance in South Carolina was canceled at the last minute due to an unexpected hospitalization.
Many of his friends, co-workers, fans, and others took to social media as news of his death spread to honor a legacy that may never be surpassed. For example, Kenny Chesney shared a video of himself singing the opening line of Jimmy Buffett’s great 1974 song “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”
Toby Keith spoke of Jimmy Buffett as “a tremendous influence on so many of us” and Alan Jackson quoted passages from their 2004 duet “Boats to Build”. The lyrics read: “Shores far away / there I go / I have the stars to guide me / I set sail into the daylight.”
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“Jimmy Buffett was an exceptional and beloved artist. His followers adored him and he never let them down. The worst possible news is this. A beautiful man who left us too soon. David (Furnish) and I send our deepest condolences to (his wife) Jane and the rest of the family Elton John posted on his Instagram Story.
Jimmy Buffett was more than just a musician and a legend.
“Shores distant shores,
— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) September 2, 2023
There’s where I’m headed for,
I got the stars to guide my way,
Sail into the light of day…” #BoatsToBuild
RIP my friend, @jimmybuffett. pic.twitter.com/6j6NrPSRXJ
Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, and started acting when he was 20 years old. After the release of the debut album “Down to Earth” in 1970, things only got better. Over the past 50 years or so, he has released 29 studio albums, 9 compilation albums, 14 live albums, 8 special albums and 67 singles.
He was a touring machine during his career, managing more than 40 tours and doing so at least once since 1976. He loved performing for his followers and writing new music to entertain us, but that wasn’t all he was good at; he was also a respected businessman.
Many people don’t realize how much Jimmy Buffett’s love of the tropics and his popular song “Margaritaville” contributed to the creation of his billion-dollar business. For example, he was the owner of two very successful restaurant chains: Cheeseburger in Paradise and Margaritaville Cafe.
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76. https://t.co/CMuZbT2gi6 pic.twitter.com/LQjyvKIEgz
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 2, 2023
In addition to his restaurant ventures, he ventured into the realms of owning a record label, shoes, food products, and even a tequila brand, all with a Margaritaville theme. However, he will be most remembered for being more than just a musician; he once remarked, “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.” We can only hope so!
Jimmy Buffett’s music will continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy, both as an artist and as a businessman, will forever be written in music history. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with his timeless tunes, his larger-than-life personality, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts. Rest in peace, Jimmy Buffett.