Jimmy Buffett’s wife of 45 years Jane Slagsvol pays a touching tribute to her husband and thanking fans for being ‘surrounded by love’

Nearly two weeks after his death following a secret battle with skin cancer, Jimmy Buffett’s 46-year-old wife, Jane Slagsvol, paid a moving tribute to her husband.

Slagsvol, 72, shared a heartfelt message on her husband’s official website JimmyBuffett.com during the weekend.

The Margaritaville singer died on September 1 at the age of 76, and days later it was revealed that he was diagnosed with skin cancer four years earlier.

“As Jimmy said a few months ago, ‘Growing old isn’t for sissies.’ The past few years have been unimaginably challenging for Jimmy and I, and we are certainly no sissies,” Jane’s message began.

“One thing we both knew and experienced, in every difficult moment, was the feeling of being supported by all the people in our lives,” she added.

Skin cancer: The Margaritaville singer died on September 1 at the age of 76 and days later it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer four years earlier

“Everywhere we went, in arenas, at events and even in hospitals, we were surrounded by love. There is a whole world of people I want to thank for the incredible kindness you have shown us,” Jane continued.

“Since those early days and through the decades, Jimmy’s fans have become one big, loud family. Thank you for creating the world’s most joyful community,” she said.

“The smile that Jimmy beamed at you from the stage was fueled by your spirit. I think that’s why he loved performing so much,” she added.

“He was so grateful for the community you built around him. Your compassion and support inspire and comfort me and my family.

She went on to thank “the teams of doctors, nurses, hospice workers and caregivers,” adding, “your compassion was overwhelming in the best way possible.”

“Jimmy listened to everything you said and followed all your orders. You gave him hope even in the most hopeless moments,” she said.

‘Thank you for your tenacity in seeking the best solutions at every stage of his illness. You were honest, courageous and empathetic; you have shown us so much dignity and goodness. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of professionals,” she emphasized.

She then thanked “all those who work with and for Jimmy and me,” adding, “We know that we have surrounded ourselves with the best, most honorable, most generous people, and we know how fortunate we have been for all these years.’

Surrounded: ‘Everywhere we went, in arenas, at events and even in hospitals, we were surrounded by love. There is a whole world of people I want to thank for the incredible kindness you have shown us,” Jane continued

Early Days: “Since those early days and through the decades, Jimmy’s fans have become one big, loud family. Thank you for creating the world’s most joyful community,” she said

Doctors: She went on to thank “the teams of doctors, nurses, hospice workers and caregivers,” adding, “your compassion was overwhelming in the best way possible.”

Tenacity: ‘Thank you for your tenacity in seeking the best solutions at each stage of his illness. You were honest, courageous and empathetic; you have shown us so much dignity and goodness. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of professionals,” she emphasized

Better: “You made our lives better every day in thousands of ways, big and small. That was especially true in recent years,” she added

“You made our lives better every day in thousands of ways, big and small. That was especially true in recent years,” she added.

I hope you know how much we care about you and that we always appreciate the work you do. It is a great comfort to know that I can rely on your loyalty, your sincerity and your respect. You have earned ours in return,” she said.

Jane then addressed her as “great friends,” adding, “you have expanded the meaning and depth of friendship. Jimmy and I have felt your breathtaking love and compassion throughout our lives and especially in recent years.”

“Jimmy brightened up when he told you stories over long dinners while the crickets sang. “He loved sitting at the head of the table and looking at the people he cherished,” she said.

“You created a microclimate of affection that surrounded us like the sun. It gave us hope; it felt like a celebration even though things were bleak. It’s a balm for me now. Without your friendship we would certainly have fallen. I wish you all would have friends who are just as kind, generous and kind,” Jane added.

‘Jimmy was love. Every cell in his body was filled with joy. He smiled all the time, even when he was seriously ill. And his sense of humor never wavered. Jimmy was always the optimist, always sparkling and always making us laugh,” she continued

‘To my family. I can’t express what you mean to me and Jimmy. I cherish you, I love you, and I am unfathomably grateful for you every day. You are my heart,” she said

‘One of the last songs Jimmy recorded was ‘Bubbles Up’. He sings, “Just know that you are loved, there is light above and the joy is always enough. Bubbles up.” Jimmy knew he was loved. He searched for the light until the end. Thank you for bringing him and me joy. Love, Jane,” she concluded.