Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett dead at 76: 'Lived his life like a song til the very last breath'

Legendary singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffet died peacefully on Friday at age 76. He has been suffering from an undisclosed health issue since 2022 and was surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs, according to the statement posted on his website and social media accounts. "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement read. Buffet's health issues were made public after he began struggling last year and was forced to cancel several shows. 

Buffet earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi before moving to Nashville to release his first country album in 1970. After a trip to Key West in 1971, Buffet's musical focus changed from outlaw country to Calypso folk-pop. 

In addition to his musical pursuits, Buffet opened the first Margaritaville store in Key West in 1985, which grew into a Margaritaville Cafe two years later. Margaritaville grew into a business empire that included apparel, resorts, restaurants, beer, casinos, a radio station, and retirement communities. In 2017, Forbes estimated that the Margaritaville global lifestyle brand had more than $4.8 billion in development and $1.5 billion in annual sales. Buffet's net worth is listed as $1 billion as of this summer.

Buffet is survived by his wife, Jane Slagsvol, and his three children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron.

For more information see Landon Mion “Legendary musician Jimmy Buffet dead at 76: ‘Lived his life like a song til the very last breath’” Fox News, September 2, 2023.

Special thanks to Laura Galvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to my attention.