Jimmy Buffett passes at 76
Jimmy Buffett passes at 76. Graphic made by Carly Busfield.
The famous ‘Margaritaville’ singer, Jimmy Buffett, has sadly passed at age 76 in his home in Sag Harbor, New York on September 1st, 2023. The musician suffered from complications of Merkel-cell carcinoma, an aggressive skin cancer he had been diagnosed with four years ago.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, and three children: daughters Savannah and Sarah, and son, Cameron.
The post shared on social media stated, ““He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”” The end had come sooner than expected, but all-in-all, Buffett rested peacefully with an accomplished life behind him.
Road to Paradise
Buffett began postponing and rescheduling shows in May due to illness. He even acknowledged that he had been hospitalized, but would make the comeback to perform.
According to CBS around May 19, “Buffett said that he would reschedule the concert for when he was “well enough to perform.” On his website, a statement said that purchased tickets would be honored on the new date.”
Click here to read more about his recent hospitalization on CBS.
The New York Times, amongst many other news outlets, have shared that Jimmy Buffett died of a rather rare form of skin cancer. Click here to read more on NYT.
Accomplishments
Buffett made his impact upon the world by popularizing beach bum soft rock with hits like ‘Margaritaville’, ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’, ‘Son of a Sailor’, and many more catchy tunes.
Buffett has earned the fanbase of “Parrotheads” who singalong to his ‘Songs You Know By Heart’ and other assorted albums.
Jimmy Buffett has received various awards and recognitions for his contributions to music. He was honored with a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 2003 for his song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” with Alan Jackson. Buffett has also been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, acknowledging his songwriting prowess and impact on the country music scene. Additionally, he has earned numerous gold and platinum records for his albums, attesting to his enduring music industry success.
Along with being a musician, Buffett is also a successful businessman with his Margaritaville restaurant chain. He was even an author of novels and children’s books that reflect a coastal lifestyle and an active philathropist.
Jimmy Buffett’s philanthropic work primarily centers on environmental conservation and disaster relief. He established the “Singing for Change” foundation, which contributes to causes such as education, healthcare, and environmental preservation.
Notably, he played a vital role in supporting Gulf of Mexico recovery efforts after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, raising substantial funds and awareness for affected communities and ecosystems. Buffett has also been active in hurricane relief, particularly in the Caribbean, where he has a personal connection through his properties.
His music and concerts have generated significant donations for organizations like the Red Cross. Additionally, he’s been an advocate for preserving the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, where he resides, showcasing his dedication to environmental causes and disaster-stricken communities.
