Jimmy Buffett died the night of September 1 at the age of 76.
The world is mourning the loss of Jimmy Buffett, the legendary singer who was best known for music inspired by the island lifestyle. The news came as a shock to fans, but TMZ reports that the singer had been secretly battling health issues in recent months.
Sources close to Buffett told the outlet that four years ago he was diagnosed with skin cancer that turned into lymphoma which ultimately led to his death. One close friend told TMZ, “He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively.” The source added that the “Margaritaville” singer was placed in hospice care last Monday.
Jimmy had been hospitalized at least twice in the past year and canceled several concerts due to then-unspecified health issues.
One year ago, an announcement on his website stated that he canceling shows for the remainder of 2022 and postponed shows in Las Vegas until March 2023.
“On doctor’s orders, he must take this time to recuperate and heal,” the announcement added at the time.
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In May 2023, Buffett posted to Twitter that he had been hospitalized once again and would be rescheduling an upcoming show in Charleston, South Carolina.
“I had a sudden change of plans this week that affected us all. 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 wrote without giving specifics about his condition. But, he did add, “Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.”
The Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band concert at Credit One Stadium in Charleston scheduled for this Saturday May 20th is being rescheduled. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date once announced. More information will be emailed to ticket purchasers… pic.twitter.com/ljKJ06hbiA
— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) May 18, 2023
Keeping his promise to return to the stage when he felt better, Jimmy made a surprise appearance alongside Mac McAnally at a bar in Rhode Island in July. It would end up being one of Buffett’s last public performances.
Jimmy Buffett’s team announced Saturday morning that he had died peacefully “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs” on the night of September 1.
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Fans and friends of the legend responded with an outpouring of tributes, including some from country artists like Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson and Toby Keith who each had the opportunity to perform with Buffett while also knowing him as a dear friend.