Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock, died on Saturday (9-2) surrounded by his friends, family, music and dogs. He was 76.
An announcement on his website read: “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
TMZ reported that sources with direct knowledge, said that Buffett was diagnosed with skin cancer 4 years ago that turned into lymphoma, and that was the cause of his death. As one close friend put it, “He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively.” Jimmy began receiving hospice care last Monday and there was an outpouring of love from friends and family. We're told Sir Paul McCartney came to Jimmy's house and sang to his family.
Active in the studio for five decades, he released four platinum and eight gold studio albums. “Margaritaville” was his only top-10 radio hit, but other classic tunes include “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Volcano,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “Fins,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” and “Why Don't We Get Drunk”.
Tributes following his death came from Senators, Presidents, Hollywood stars Musicians, and other people around the world. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett” and Paul McCartney called him “one of the kindest and most generous people.”
Buffett’s brand reached way beyond music and his huge concert following … he was also the face of the hotel and restaurant chain Margaritaville, and even turned the experience into a cruise line .
James William Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and was raised in the port town of Mobile, Alabama.
He’s survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.
TL;DR:
- Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock, died on Saturday (9-2) surrounded by his friends, family, music and dogs.
- Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.