Jimmy Buffett, a singer and businessman known for iconic tropical rock anthems like "Margaritaville," "Come Monday" and "Fins," died Saturday at the age of 76.
The singer "passed away peacefully ... surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," according to a statement posted on Buffett's official Instagram page. He "lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement added. Buffett's website later released a separate statement saying he had died from Merkel cell skin cancer, a rare form of carcinoma.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While "Come Monday" was released first, it was 1977's "Margaritaville" that made Buffett a household name. The song came to epitomize the island lifestyle and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Earlier this year, "Margaritaville" was entered into the National Recording Registry, with the Library of Congress saying the song was "as well known and omnipresent as ever — a regular component of bars, beach parties, karaoke and any place cool vibes are required." Buffett launched the popular Margaritaville restaurant chain based on the song's lyrics.
Buffett was also known for his rabid fans, called the Parrotheads, who often followed him around the country. Buffett described the Parrotheads in 2012 as "the social network before there was a social network" because they "had something in common; they shared things," The Associated Press reported.
-
England’s ‘dysfunctional’ children’s care systemIn the Spotlight A new report reveals that protection of youngsters in care in England is failing in a profit-chasing sector
-
Cider farms to visit this autumnThe Week Recommends With harvest season fast approaching, spend an afternoon at one of these idyllic orchards
-
Endangered shark meat is being mislabeled and sold in the USUnder the radar It could cause both health and ecological problems
-
Say farewell to summer at these underrated US lakesThe Week Recommends Have one last blast
-
Florida erases rainbow crosswalk at Pulse nightclubSpeed Read The colorful crosswalk was outside the former LGBTQ nightclub where 49 people were killed in a 2016 shooting
-
Trump says Smithsonian too focused on slavery's illsSpeed Read The president would prefer the museum to highlight 'success,' 'brightness' and 'the future'
-
5 fun cycling tours that let you vacation on two wheelsThe Week Recommends Gain a new perspective while pedaling
-
Trump to host Kennedy Honors for Kiss, StalloneSpeed Read Actor Sylvester Stallone and the glam-rock band Kiss were among those named as this year's inductees
-
White House seeks to bend Smithsonian to Trump's viewSpeed Read The Smithsonian Institution's 21 museums are under review to ensure their content aligns with the president's interpretation of American history
-
Go beyond the islands you already know in these 8 countries. Surprises await.The Week Recommends These destinations fly under the radar
-
The most fun road trips are the ones with the least curveballs. Use these tips to get there.The Week Recommends The music blaring, the windows wide open and a carefree drive
