Jimmy Buffett was an American musician and singer-songwriter best known for his tropical rock music, which often portrayed a lifestyle described as ‘island escapism’ and promoted enjoying life and following passions.
He was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76.
Buffett attended the University of Southern Mississippi, and was an accomplished author, with three No. 1 bestsellers.
He was married to Jane (Slagsvol) Buffett and had two daughters, Savannah Jane Buffett and Sarah Buffett, and a son, Cameron.
Additionally, Buffett had two grandsons and two sisters, Lucy and Laurie Buffett
He was known for his love of sailing, surfing, and flying, and he lived his life like his songs, from beaches to boats to bars.
Buffett was the founder of Margaritaville, a brand that includes resorts, restaurants, and more, which was inspired by his iconic song, Margaritaville.
His music and lifestyle inspired a devoted following of fans known as Parrot Heads.
On behalf of everyone in Margaritaville, the brand he founded, Buffett was mourned as a true national treasure, and heartfelt condolences were expressed to his family and everyone around the world who loves him.
Jimmy Buffett cause of death
Buffett passed away at his home in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York, on Friday, September 1, 2023, from skin cancer.
He had been battling Merkel cell skin cancer for four years, a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin and tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Buffett continued performing while undergoing cancer treatments, and his last performance was a surprise 45-minute set during a Mac McAnally concert in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on July 2.
What is Merkel cell skin cancer?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening.
It develops in Merkel cells found in the skin’s outer layer (epidermis).
Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin, often on the face, head, or neck, but it can develop anywhere on the body, even on areas not exposed to sunlight.
The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is usually a fast-growing, painless nodule (tumor) on the skin, which may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple.
Risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma include long-term sun exposure, fair skin, age over 50, and a weakened immune system.
Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage.
It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs.
Treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma often depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.
If you see any new, changing, or unusual lesions on your skin, especially on sun-exposed areas, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Jimmy Buffett career
Buffett attended Auburn University and then the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in journalism.
After college, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career as a country singer and released his first album in 1970.
He gained a loyal following within a few years and broke into the mainstream with his sixth album, containing the song, Margaritaville.
Buffett’s music tells the stories of the hustlers, the beach bums, and the pirates from all corners of the world, with themes of escapism, wanderlust, and an unbridled curiosity that makes life a journey worth taking.
Buffett was more than just a talented musician, he was also a businessman.
He skillfully managed his financial success, creating a diverse business empire that successfully banks on the crowd-pleasing, irrepressible mythos he created for himself.
He had a loyal following of fans, known as, Parrotheads, who loved his laid-back party vibe and beach-themed music.
Buffett was also an author, having written three number-one bestsellers: the short-stories collection, Tales From Margaritaville, the novel, Where is Joe Merchant?, and his biography, A Pirate Looks at Fifty.
