Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett dead at 76
Jimmy Buffett, the legendary musician and songwriter, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday.
He was 76 years old.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the tropical rocker’s loved ones said in a statement on Instagram. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The “Margaritaville” singer’s death was announced on social media just months after he was forced to pull the plug on several of his shows following a series of hospitalizations.
Speaking to fans in May, Buffett said he had to “address some issues that needed immediate attention,” before playfully adding, “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,” he said at the time. “You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe-headed [sic] 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!’ Love to all,” he concluded his May 18 post.
Months later, the iconic singer surprised lucky fans in Portsmouth, RI, with an impromptu performance at a local bar.
Buffett, whose hits include “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” and “Trip Around the Sun,” earned his stripes as one of the most captivating names in music with a career that spanned 60 years.
Prior to his death, Buffett was gearing up for the release of his new album, “Songs You Don’t Know by Heart.”
His glittering career, which saw him release over 50 albums, boasts a myriad of top hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including the chart-topping tracks “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
A majority of his albums have won him gold, platinum, or multi-platinum plaques, and his success translated seamlessly into sold out shows and tours across the globe.
While he never won a Grammy — despite being nominated twice — Buffett scooped several Country Music Association awards and was even inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Born on Christmas Day in 1946 in Pascagoula, Miss., the rocker grew up in Alabama where he became an avid fourth-generation sailor.
He later put his love for sailing on the back burner as he began to shift his focus to music.
In addition to his impressive discography, Buffett leaves behind his $1 billion fortune.
The singer was established as a billionaire by Forbes earlier this year after his several business ventures propelled him to earn his spot as one of the richest musicians.
His impressive $180 million stake in Margaritaville, his popular chain restaurant that launched in 1985, as well as an estimated $570 million from touring and recording, all contributed to his staggering net worth.
The singer leaves behind his $140 million portfolio of planes and mansions, as well as his music catalog valued at $50 million.
“If you’re an artist, if you want to have control of your life… then you gotta be a businessman, like it or not,” he told Forbes in 1994. “So the businessman evolved out of being an artist.”
When he wasn’t on stage, Buffett released several books — including children’s books alongside his daughter Savannah.
He occasionally dabbled as an actor, where he played a handful of small roles or played himself. Buffett’s final acting credit was when he appeared on the hit CBS show “Blue Bloods” in 2022.
Buffett leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagsvol, whom he’s been married to since 1977, as well as his three children: Savannah, Sarah Delaney, and Cameron.
