Jimmy Buffett, an American singer-songwriter best known for his tropical rock music, died on Sept. 1 at the age of 76. Buffett had many hit songs, including “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude,” among many others. His musical career spanned over 50 years.
Buffett was the poster child for the “island escapism” attitude, which he poured into his music, restaurant chain named “Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville,” and many other business ventures including hotels and retirement communities.
His death was announced in a statement on his website, as well as on his official social media accounts.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement read.
Originally, no details were announced surrounding the cause and place of death. It has since been announced that he passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, which is on the East End of Long Island. It was also announced that his death came after a four-year battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, which he was fighting in private.
Buffett’s fans, affectionately referred to as “Parrotheads,” were devastated by the news. Many took to social media to share their plans to celebrate and honor Buffett, which included many plans of day drinking and spending time near the water. Others rushed to take a shot of alcohol out of a shot glass Crocs charm, one of the Jibbitz that came with the limited edition Margaritaville-themed Crocs.
As a fan who dubbed this summer her “Margaritaville Summer,” I was devastated to hear the news. However, it seemed almost appropriate that the news of his death came at the beginning of Labor Day weekend, which is often seen as the end of summer. It’s almost as if Buffett is now in a state of endless summer.
“It’s important to have as much fun as possible while we’re here. It balances out the times when the minefield of life explodes,” Buffett said in a social media post last year.
