Early on Saturday news broke that the beloved saltwater star Jimmy Buffett had passed away at 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the official website and X account said in a shared image. “He lived his life like a song til the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Jimmy Buffett Canceled Tour Dates
Late last year Buffett had to cancel his tour due unspecified health reasons. Buffett released a statement and rescheduled his dates.
“Due to health issues and brief hospitalization, Jimmy will need to refrain from touring for the rest of the year,” Buffett’s website released. “On doctor’s orders, he must take this time to recuperate and heal. Jimmy looks forward to getting back on stage next year.”
As Buffett took on a new tour schedule this year, it was kept private that he was battling skin cancer. Additional shows were canceled throughout 2023, which prompted a letter from Buffett in May that said growing old was “not for sissies” and that he would return to the stage as soon as possible. Buffett also shared a quote from Mark Twain:
“Challenges,” he said, “make life interesting,however overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
Buffett said that he had just returned from the Bahamas and had stopped in Boston for a doctor’s visit that led to hospitalization. The type of treatment was not specified.
“When I am well enough to perform,” Buffett said, “that is what I’ll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup.”
Did Jimmy Buffet Ever Win a Grammy?
Buffett’s 1977 hit “Margaritaville” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016. Buffett has never been nominated for a Grammy as a solo artist, however he was nominated twice in the “Best Country Collaboration” category for “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” with Alan Jackson and “Hey Good Lookin” with Jackson, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and George Strait.
Paul McCartney Recalls Jimmy Buffett Story
“It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them,” Paul McCartney said in a letter shared on X. “I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”
McCartney said that once he had gone on vacation with Buffett, and that he wanted to play guitar but forgot to bring one. Buffett offered an instrument but the famed Beatle is left handed. Buffett then had his guitar tech reverse a right handed guitar for him to use.
“He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humor,” McCartney said. “When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.”
McCartney went on to praise Buffett’s songwriting and vocal talent.
“So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you, McCartney said. “Bubbles up, my friend.”
Jimmy Buffett’s Biography and Diagnosis
Buffett was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1946. Buffett was raised in Mobile, Alabama. His career as an artist started on the streets of New Orleans and spanned over fifty years. Buffett recorded 27 studio albums.
After the announcement, Buffett’s team released some specifics of his health condition. For the past 4 years, he had battled Merkel Cell Skin Cancer.
“That so few of us knew how ill he was is essential Jimmy Buffett: he had no intention of burdening us with his illness,” James Taylor said in a post on X.
Note From Our Staff
My father was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and on many road trips as a child we would listen to Buffett’s albums. I have so many memories from sitting at an old beach condo on the Atlantic at family reunions, to flipping through my parent’s old vinyls and staring at the cover of A1A.
When I was in high school, my father took the family to see Buffett perform live. I was amazed to see the Parrothead family and the joy they all shared together. Buffett is a legend that will be known for his incredible songwriting and the positive vibes we all have when we hear his music.
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