Could the paradise-themed tunes of Jimmy Buffett, the man who soundtracked countless vacations and beachside bars, fall silent? Indeed, the music world mourns the loss of the iconic "Margaritaville" singer, who passed away from Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The news sent shockwaves through his devoted fanbase, affectionately known as "Parrotheads," late last week.
Jimmy Buffett, the vacation extraordinaire and topical rock star, succumbed to Merkel cell carcinoma on Friday night. This rare disease, impacting only one in a significant number, claimed the life of the 76-year-old musician. Buffetts official website revealed that he had been battling the disease for four years. Despite his diagnosis, Buffett continued to perform, showcasing his dedication to his fans and his passion for music until his health began to decline more recently. His final performance was a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in July. He spent his final moments at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, near the Hamptons, surrounded by family and friends.
| Jimmy Buffett: Biographical and Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James William Buffett |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA |
| Date of Death | September 1, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Sag Harbor, New York, USA |
| Cause of Death | Merkel Cell Carcinoma |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Author, Businessman |
| Genres | Gulf and Western, Country, Rock, Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years Active | 1960s 2023 |
| Label | MCA, ABC, Margaritaville Records |
| Spouse(s) | Margie Washichek (m. 1969; div. 1972), Jane Slagsvol (m. 1977) |
| Children | 3 (Savannah Jane, Sarah Delaney, Cameron Marley) |
| Notable Albums | Songs You Know By Heart (Greatest Hits), Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, A1A |
| Signature Song(s) | Margaritaville, Come Monday, Cheeseburger in Paradise |
| Business Ventures | Margaritaville Holdings (restaurants, resorts, casinos, retail) |
| Website | Margaritaville.com |
