Jimmy Buffett, the iconic musician, passed away on 1 September after a long battle with skin cancer. The musician has built his empire largely based on Caribbean-flavored pop, which celebrates Florida’s subtropical party vibe and island escapism lifestyle.
Buffett produced some of the best musical hits, including Cheeseburger in Paradise, Come Monday, Five O’Clock Somewhere, and Margaritaville with the Coral Reefer Band for his devoted fan base of “Parrotheads.”
Since his breakthrough hit, Margaritaville, more than 20 million copies of his albums have been sold, which made him a renowned name in the music industry. Highly known for his laid-back vibe, Buffet’s abrupt passing has shocked the entire music community.
Jimmy Buffett’s Tragic Death Explained by His Close Friend
Jimmy Buffett passed away at 76 in Sag Harbor, New York, due to Merkel cell skin cancer that later turned into lymphoma, which he had been battling for four years (as per an official obituary on his website). A statement on Jimmy Buffett’s website reads:
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
One of the Buffett’s friends said:
“He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively.”
The source revealed that he began receiving hospital care a week before his passing.
Jimmy Buffett’s Last Appearance During the Concert
Jimmy Buffett’s health had been getting worse, which led to the cancellation of a May show in South Carolina due to his sudden medical problem.
He had also canceled several gigs in the last two years (including Salt Lake City and Nampa, Idaho, in October and postponed shows in Las Vegas until March 2023). While he did perform at Jazz Fest in New Orleans in May 2022, he hadn’t often been on stage since then.
His last-ever concert performance with his band was at Snapdragon Stadium on May 6. This show date came after the initially scheduled concert (first set for Oct. 22, 2022) was postponed due to his health issues.
This year, Buffett’s final public appearance was seen on June 11 at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York. He joined his longtime bandmate Peter Mayer’s show and surprised the crowd by performing songs like Everybody’s Talkin’ by Fred Neil, as well as his own tracks, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, and A Pirate Looks at Forty.
The Music World Pays Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Mourners, including country superstars Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brian Wilson, Elton John, and Paul McCartney, paid tribute to Buffett on social media.
Kenny Chesney tweeted:
“So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.” And he shared a video of himself singing Buffett’s song “Son of a Son of a Sailor” on a beach.”
Toby Keith writes:
“The pirate has passed. RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us.”
Elton John wrote on Instagram:
“Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him and he never let them down. This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon.”
The tribute shows how much Jimmy Buffett is respected as a musician, and no doubt, he will forever be remembered as a legendary singer in the music industry.
Also read: 5 Popular Actors Who Had A Successful Career In The Music Industry
Source: CNN
