Legendary ‘Margaritaville’ Singer, Jimmy Buffett Dead At 76

Jimmy Buffett, the beloved “Margaritaville” singer and leader of the Parrotheads, has died. He was 76 years old.

According to a statement shared on Saturday morning (Sept. 2) via Buffett’s social media, the singer/songwriter passed away late Friday evening (Sept. 1). 

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

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— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) September 2, 2023

While his cause of death is unclear, Buffett has been battling an undisclosed illness since 2022. Most recently, he was forced to reschedule a concert in May after being hospitalized to address medical issues that need “immediate attention.”

‘Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you. I also will promise you, that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I’ll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup. You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, ‘NOT YET!’”

In September of 2022, Jimmy Buffett canceled his entire tour and his team revealed that he would not be touring for the remainder of the year due to “due to health issues” and a “brief hospitalization.”

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Buffett, whose real name is James William Buffett, was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi and raised in Alabama. He moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music in the late 1960s and also spent most of his time in New Orleans and Key West. 

Jimmy Buffett’s musical career began in the late 1960s, and he soon became known for his unique blend of country, folk, and Gulf Coast rock, often referred to as “Gulf and Western.” 

In 1970, he released his debut album titled Down To Earth. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1977, with the release of his seventh studio album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, that Jimmy Buffett and his band The Coral Reefers catapulted into mainstream fame, thanks to the project’s hit single “Margaritaville.”

“Margaritaville” has gone on to become a massive, world-renowned hit and was even included on The Recording Industry Association Of America’s list of Songs Of The Century. 

With his signature laid-back style and a guitar in hand, he enchanted audiences worldwide, transporting them to a world of sun-soaked beaches, swaying palm trees, and carefree days.

His timeless hits like “Fins,” “Come Monday,” “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” became anthems of escapism and celebration, evoking the spirit of a never-ending beachside vacation.

Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett has collaborated with several country artists, including Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and George Strait.

Beyond his chart-topping success, Jimmy Buffett was a prolific songwriter, author, and actor. 

He has released several novels, including Tales from Margaritaville and A Salty Piece of Land, which offered fans a deeper insight into the characters and stories behind his music. Buffett’s engaging storytelling also extended to the big screen, where he appeared in films such as Rancho Deluxe and Hoot.

Buffett’s indomitable spirit of adventure led him to explore diverse interests, from piloting planes and sailing the seas to founding the Margaritaville brand in 1985. The Margaritaville brand encompasses restaurants, hotels, and a lifestyle empire, all embodying his laid-back philosophy. He once said, “I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”

Thanks to his lucrative businesses, Buffett was named one of the richest musicians in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, by Forbes as well as added to the World’s Billionaire List.

Jimmy Buffett’s philanthropic endeavors were equally admirable. He dedicated himself to environmental conservation, particularly marine and coastal protection, and established the “Save the Manatee Club” to safeguard the beloved aquatic creatures he cherished.

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Buffett’s live performances were legendary, drawing thousands of fans, known as the Parrotheads, from all corners of the globe. His annual tours were more than concerts; they were vibrant celebrations of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

As fans bid farewell to this legendary troubadour, they will remember Jimmy Buffett for his sun-soaked melodies, his evocative storytelling, and the enduring sense of joy he brought to millions. He was a timeless artist who made us dream of tropical escapes, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. In his own words, he encouraged us all to “breathe in, breathe out, move on.” Jimmy Buffett’s music and spirit will forever be our compass guiding us to our own Margaritaville.

Jimmy Buffett is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Jane Slagsvol, and children Savannah Buffett, Sarah Delaney Buffett and Cameron Marley Buffett. 

He was expected to release his new album, Equal Strain On All Parts, later this year, which would serve as the follow-up to their 2020 project, Life On The Flip Side. It is now unclear if the project will still be released.