Jimmy Buffett Cause Of Death Revealed

Legendary singer Jimmy Buffett’s cause of death was revealed on the musician’s website on Sunday after the “Margaritaville” singer-songwriter passed away just days before at 76 years old.

A statement on Buffett’s website said he passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, on Friday, September 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends after battling Merkel Cell Skin Cancer since 2019.

Sources told TMZ the iconic signer was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago that turned into lymphoma.

“He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively,” a close friend told the entertainment outlet.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that grows fast, spreads rapidly, and leaves flesh-colored or bluish-red nodules on the face, head, or neck, often seen in older people with a weak immune system and long-term sun exposure, according to Mayo Clinic.

Buffett shared on social media in May that he was briefly hospitalized following a trip to the Bahamas.

Although he did not disclose details about his time at the hospital, Buffett told his fans that “growing old is not for sissies” and promised he would be healthy enough to perform in “the land of She-Crab soup.”

“He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July,” according to his obituary.

Buffett, known for his hits such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” “Come Monday,” and countless other songs over a 50-year career, was beloved by millions.

He began receiving hospice care last Monday, where friends and family showed an outpouring of love to Buffett, including Sir Paul McCartney, who came to the fellow artist’s house and sang to family members.

McCartney posted a tribute to the late singer and the Buffett family on his Instagram page and memories the two musicians shared on tour and in the studio.

“It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them,” he wrote, adding, “I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”

McCartney said Buffett “had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour.”

“Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.’” McCartney said.

Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville,” helped launch him into stardom in 1977. A devoted fanbase known as “Parrotheads” soon developed, admiring his laid-back, beach bum aesthetic and fun-loving music.

The song spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 8. The inspiration for the song, and much of Buffett’s music, came from the Florida Keys.

Buffett’s success extended beyond his musical career. He was able to parlay his music into a lucrative career in restaurants, bars, merchandise, and more. His net worth at the time of his death was reportedly roughly $1 billion.

The “Volcano” singer once described his music as “pure escapism.”

“I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last,” he told The Republic in an interview. “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.”

He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Christmas Day in 1946. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and three children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron.

Buffett’s family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to his foundation, Singing for Change; Brigham and Women’s Hospital; the Dana Farber Cancer Institute; or the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Tim Meads contributed to this report.