Jimmy Buffett died after four-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer at age 76… as flags are lowered to half-staff at Margaritaville in his honor
Jimmy Buffett fans around the world continue to mourn his death, but new information from his family indicates that the beloved singer kept fighting to the end.
The obituary on the Come Monday singer website indicates that he died of Merkel cell cancer, a disease he had been battling for four years.
According to the Mayo ClinicIt’s a “rare form of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or blue-red lump, often on your face, head, or neck.” It usually affects older people.
Buffett battled the disease for four years before passing away Friday at his home in Sag Harbor, New York’s Long Island.
His Margaritaville hotel in Palm Springs lowered its American flag at half-mast in honor of the late musician.
Cancer: Jimmy Buffett’s family has revealed that the much-loved singer died of Merkel cell cancer, a rare form of skin cancer, and continued to act throughout his four-year treatment. The Margaritaville artist passed away on Sept. 1 at the age of 76 (pictured in Key West, FL in February)
Mourning: The flag was lowered to half-staff at the Margaritaville Hotel in Palm Spring, CA and presumably at other Margaritaville locations around the world in honor of the late hitmaker
It’s unclear if other venues from his lucrative chain, inspired by his classic song, have lowered their flags.
These outlets include hotels, restaurants and retirement communities in Margaritaville.
It was revealed on Buffett’s website that the tireless performer continued to perform while receiving treatment for the illness.
In early July, he made his final appearance at a surprise show in Rhode Island.
When James William Buffett was born on Christmas Day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, no one could have imagined the gifts he would bring into the world.
After struggling to make his mark as a recording artist, he finally broke into the music world with Come Monday in 1974, from his album Living and Dying in 3/4 Time.
This resulted in a series of hits including Changes in Latitudes, Fins and the ever-popular Margaritaville.
He won CMA and ACM awards for his twangy hit It’s Five O’clock Somewhere and was nominated for two Grammys.
In addition to his songs embracing a more laid-back lifestyle, he was the author of several best-selling books, including Tales From Margaritaville, Where is Joe Merchant, and A Salty Piece of Land.
The man who sang about enjoying a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with a “cold beer” founded his own brew, Land Shark beer.
Forbes Buffett’s net worth is estimated at over $1 billion.
Accolades have poured in from all over the world in honor of the beloved pirate.
Paul McCartney, who visited Buffett the week before his passing, wrote, “The oldest Surfer on the Beach performer was ‘one of the kindest and most generous people’ on X, formerly known as Twitter.”
Legacy: In addition to his music, Buffett was the author of several best-selling books, including Tales From Margaritaville, Where is Joe Merchant, and A Salty Piece of Land (pictured in New Orleans in April 2015)
Brew: The man who sang about enjoying a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with a “cold beer” founded his own brew, Land Shark beer. Forbes estimated Buffett’s net worth at over $1 billion (pictured in New York in August 1977)
No flowers: Buffett’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or MD Anderson Cancer Center (pictured in New York in July 2016)
“Until the last minute, his eyes still sparkled with a humor that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.’
“So many of us will miss Jimmy and his great personality, his love for all of us and for humanity as a whole,” the former Beatle said.
Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane, their three children, a grandson and his beloved pack of dogs.
The family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or MD Anderson Cancer Center.