Jimmy Buffett: Author, Mogul, and King of Tropical-Rock, Dead at 76

Image c/o ABC News

By Tucker Long
Visiting Entertainment Columnist

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On September 1, 2023, Jimmy Buffett passed away in his Sag Harbor home. Buffett was a beloved singer-songwriter, known for pioneering the tropical-rock genre with songs such as “Margaritaville”, “Why Don’t We Get Drunk”, and “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Buffett’s musical style blended twangy guitars with steel drums, creating his outlaw-country meets Key West brand of music that was wholly unique. Lyrics of his often depicted scenes of relaxing on a beach, sharing drinks with friends, sailing the high seas, and any other sort of coastal debauchery you can think of. Jimmy Buffett’s island-themed music promoted a laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle that was adored by his legions of passionate fans, dubbed the “parrot heads”. On top of his musical success, Buffett also found fortune as a writer and businessman. He was a New York Times best-selling author of two novels and a memoir, and launched a nationwide chain of “Margaritaville” themed restaurants, resorts, and casinos.

Buffet’s death was announced on his official website, saying that he “passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.” The cause of his death was later revealed to be Merkel skin cancer, which is a rare type of skin cancer. He had been secretly battling Merkel skin cancer for years.

The music of Jimmy Buffett has provided the soundtrack to many vacations; his music was a staple anywhere there was sand, salt water, and fun to be had. Buffett’s death is the culmination of a life well-lived, a life consisting of parties, music, dancing, drinking, and fun. Even in death, he remained loyal to his tropical brand, with a report from CBS News saying that a significant risk factor for Merkel skin cancer was sun exposure. Buffett is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, a grandson, and six dogs. 

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/02/arts/jimmy-buffett-dead.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-buffett-cause-of-death/
https://www.jimmybuffett.com/
Image: https://abcnews.go.com/US/margaritaville-singer-jimmy-buffett-dies-76/story?id=102879851