Jimmy Buffett Dies At 76, ‘Lived His Life Like A Song’

Jimmy Buffett, beloved for songs such as “Margaritaville,” died at 76. And the singer-songwriter’s website confirmed the loss of a man who “lived his life like a song.”

Learn what to know about Buffett’s death. And discover how he became a legend both for his music and his way of life. Get all the details below.

Jimmy Buffett Passes Away At 76

With his friends and family gathered around him, Jimmy Buffett died at age 76. The singer-songwriter had scheduled his new album, Equal Strain on All Parts, for release later this year, noted People. But as a statement on his website revealed, “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.”

And the announcement, which included a photo of Buffett relaxing on a boat, added, “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath.” Fans, friends, and family will miss Jimmy “beyond measure,” added the announcement. 

In May, Jimmy needed to reschedule a concert after a hospital stay. But he shared only that he needed the time “to address some issues that needed immediate attention.” And Buffett added, “Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.”

Jimmy Buffett Thanked His Fans Before His Death

But the singer-songwriter focused on expressing appreciation to his fans. And he shared, “You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a [tow] headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.”

Survived by his wife Jane and children Savannah, Sarah and Cameron, Buffett released his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. But Jimmy achieved his breakthrough with “Margaritaville” from the album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. And the singer joked about his success, “I wish I could say that some secret plan for world domination was devised years ago.”

However, Buffet admitted that he didn’t “have a clue as to why, when or how all this happened. I’m not going to dissect it. It’d ruin all the fun of being in the middle of it.” And instead, Jimmy focused on his annual shows with his Coral Reefer Band.

pic.twitter.com/hQ7BwPJFVz

— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) September 2, 2023

Jimmy Buffett Wanted To Please Parrotheads

The singer-songwriter shared his pride in putting “on a good show for my fans. I sell them Jimmy Buffett.” And he added, “Even if radio stations won’t play my songs, I can still be happy. I can still say, ‘I tricked them again.'” 

Fans, known as Parrotheads, flocked to listen to Jimmy’s unique blend of calypso, country, rock, and pop. And he noted, “What’s most important is to please the Parrotheads, because there’s more to the music than just the music. It’s become a lifestyle. I wish I could take credit, but it’s fan-generated.”

Nominated for two Grammy Awards, Buffett created over 30 albums. And he also became a philanthropist. The singer-songwriter created the nonprofit Save the Manatee Club in 1981. And in his memoir, Buffett shared that he viewed his family and friends as “treasure more valuable than gold. I have been called a lot of things in these fifty years on the good old planet Earth,” he added. “But the thing I believe I am the most is lucky.”

Tell us what you think. How do you feel about the death of Jimmy Buffett? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.