Jimmy Buffett Died: He Shared His Last Pic Weeks before Passing after a 4-Year Battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer

Famed singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has passed away at age 76. His family revealed on a social media platform that he died on September 1, 2023.

Buffett’s loved ones later released a statement on his website announcing his cause of death. They had initially omitted details surrounding the reason behind his passing or where he took his last breath.

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” they revealed on Instagram.

The family posted a photo of him sailing along the shore on a boat. A source reportedly disclosed the family is shattered by the loss and that it all occurred very “suddenly.” Buffett’s loved ones officially announced on his website that he died in Sag Habor, Long Island.

According to the statement, the “Margaritaville” hitmaker, who was born on December 25, 1946, had been battling Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years. However, he continued to perform while receiving treatment.

Buffett performed at a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in July 2023 in what turned out to be his very last show. His music career spanned over fifty years, and he was regarded as one of the most successful performers in popular music.

Buffett Canceled Shows Months before His Death

In July 2023, Buffett shared a photo of him during an interview at WLNG Radio on Instagram. He was pictured widely smiling while conversing with Chief Meteorologist Bill Evans and Jessica Ambrose at the station.

The much-loved musician captioned his post, “Fun chat about the new album today with @jessicamambrose and @evansweather at @wlngradio. A long overdue visit.”

His beloved fans were happy to see him and made it known in the comments section. One person wrote, “We miss you, Jimmy, and hope you’re feeling better! You look good!”

“Always good to see that smile,” said another one of his followers. While a third Instagram user concurred, adding, “Hopefully, you’re well and on your way to good health. Can’t wait to hear the new music.”

Months before his death, Buffett faced health issues that led him to cancel or postpone his live shows. He had been hospitalized twice in the past year.

In September 2022, the “Come Monday” singer announced on his website that he would no longer be touring for the remainder of the year, revealing it was because of “health issues and brief hospitalization.”

Buffett canceled his shows in Salt Lake City and Nampa, Idaho, in October 2022 and postponed shows in Las Vegas to March 2023. According to a statement, the businessman had to adhere to doctor’s orders to rest and heal.

Months later, in May, the Mississippi native announced on Twitter, now better known as X, that he had been hospitalized again following a check-up in Boston and would have to reschedule his upcoming show in Charleston, South Carolina.

His last performance was at his pal and longtime member of his Coral Reefer Band Mac McNally’s concert, where he performed one of his hit songs, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Fans reportedly cheered and sang along to the song, and Buffett admittedly said to the crowd, “Well, it is good to see an audience, let me tell you that.”

Buffett Had Three Children with His Wife of 46 Years

Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane Slagsvol, and their three kids, daughters Savannah, born in June 1979, and Sarah, whom they welcomed in April 1992, including their adopted son, Cameron.

The family man once said that he was often away from home because of work but that, in hindsight, he tried his best to make most of his time spent with his loved ones memorable.

He allowed the children to join him on the road sometimes, and they would attend his “Margaritaville”-themed concerts. When speaking about parenting, Buffett, who was best known for his tropical rock music, admitted he was not good at disciplining his kids.

However, his beloved wife, Slagsvol, handled that well whenever the children misbehaved. Buffett admitted he liked that his spouse was in charge at home.

The couple had been married for 46 years when he passed. They tied the knot in August 1977. In 2021, Buffett marked the duo’s 44th wedding anniversary on Instagram alongside a throwback photo.

“With you, I’d walk anywhere #44years,” he penned on his post, which showed the happy couple smiling and Slagsvol in a red bathing suit.