Jimmy Buffett, singer of the hit songs “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” has died at the age of 76.
According to a statement shared on his website and social media late Friday, Buffett died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement reads. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Jimmy Buffett’s cause of death was Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer that grows aggressively and spreads quickly to other parts of the body, according to an obituary posted to the singer-songwriter’s official website. He was 76 years old when he passed away on Sept. 1.
Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and initially entered the music scene as a country singer. He moved to Nashville after graduating from college and joined a cover band, prior to focusing on his solo music.
Buffett’s first album Down to Earth was released in the early ’70s as part of his first record deal, but it didn’t receive tons of attention.
He soon relocated to Key West, Florida, where he adopted his laid-back beach-bum persona and released two albums in 1973 via ABC-Dunhill Records, White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean.
In 1977, Buffett released his sixth studio album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, which finally attracted a mainstream audience and launched him into stardom. That album included his hit track “Margaritaville.” In 1978, he released Son of a Son of a Sailor, which featured another one of his most successful songs, “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Many might know some of Buffett’s other popular tracks over the years including “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” “Come Monday,” “Volcano” and “It’s My Job,” just to name a few. He collaborated with several other major artists throughout his 50-year career including Zac Brown Band, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait.
Buffett was also known for his live shows, of which he headlined more than 40. His fans often adorned parrot-themed hats and were referred to as “parrot heads.” Thirteen of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 list, including “Margaritaville” making it to the Top 10 Hits.
On the heels of the success of his music career, Buffett expanded his brand with several books, beach-themed clothing, a Margaritaville restaurant chain, hotels, resorts and more.
He also appeared in both TV and movies, including such titles as Jurassic World, Billionaire Boys Club, Hawaii Five-0 and Blue Bloods.Earlier this year, Buffett canceled a handful of performances after he revealed that he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. “Two days ago I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California’ winter tour’ and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston. I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention,” he shared on social media at the time. “Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.”
Buffett is survived by his wife Jane Slagsvol and their three children, Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.