Jimmy Buffett, the icon of relaxed island-inspired life, has died. He was 76.
The singer, songwriter, author and entrepreneur died Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. His family posted the news on his website and social media channels. No cause of death was revealed.
The “Margaritaville” hitmaker had been forced to cancel concerts in recent months and was hospitalized in May but did not disclose the reason at the time.
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The touching social media posts showed a picture of the “Come Monday” singer in a boat on the water, enjoying his signature island life.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement said. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Buffett’s love of the relaxed lifestyle was shaped by his mother, Mary Loraine “Peets” Buffett, who encouraged her son to “Accept everyone for who they are, not what they do,” “be well-traveled’ and “listen to your spirit and find joy.” But perhaps, most importantly, she said, “Live by the sea.”
“There was no such place as Margaritaville,” Buffett told the Arizona Republic in 2021. “It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach.
“It’s pure escapism is all it is,” he continued. “I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.”
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Escapism worked for Buffett. He built a billion-dollar empire of restaurants, retirement communities, books, recipes and even grocery store staples.
At the time of his death, Buffett was estimated to be worth $1 billion. Not bad for a beach bum!
