Legendary singer Jimmy Buffett has died at the age of 76.
Buffett's passing was announced on his official website and on his social media accounts on Friday.
The statement reads:
Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st 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.
— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) September 2, 2023
Reports have yet to indicate what led to Buffett's death. But, it is known that Buffett had been suffering from health issues since at least last year.
Fox News reports:
The musician began struggling with a health issue starting last year, when he was hospitalized and forced to cancel several shows, according to USA Today. In May and June 2023, he canceled additional concerts after disclosing that he returned to the hospital to address medical issues that required "immediate attention."
What these medical issues were, however, has never been disclosed to the public.
Born on Christmas Day in Mississippi, Buffett did not take up a guitar until his freshman year at Auburn University. After graduating from college, Buffett moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where, in 1970, he released his first country album: Down to Earth.
Initially, Buffett specialized in outlaw country music. But, after meeting up with singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, Buffett took up Calypso folk-pop. Buffett, himself, once referred to his type of music as "drunken Caribbean rock 'n' roll."
Buffett is probably best known for the song Margaritaville. Released in 1977, the song earned him national fame. But, it also led to much, much more.
NBC News reports:
The song went on to inspire a brand, which included restaurants and resorts, a radio station, clothing and apparel, as well as food and drink items like beer, tequila, salad dressings and salsa. It also helped make him a billionaire, with Forbes this month placing his real-time net worth at $1 billion.
Buffett's success, however, goes beyond Margaritaville. ABC News reports, "Over a performing career that spanned five decades, Buffett released more than 30 records, 17 of which were RIAA-certified gold or platinum for sales of 500,000 units or more."
Following the news of Buffett's passing, many - including many of his fellow musicians - are now paying tribute to him and his life on social media.
Buffett leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagvol, and his three children: Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron.
