Jimmy Buffett's son Cameron has honored his late father in a touching tribute shared on Instagram.
On September 2, the iconic tropical rock musician - best known for a number of hit songs, including 'Margaritaville' - sadly passed away at the age of 76.
A heartbreaking statement posted to Buffett's official website revealed that the music legend passed away on Friday (September 1), surrounded by his loved ones.
"Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement read.
On Saturday (September 9), Cameron Marley - who was adopted by Buffett and his wife Jane Slagsvol - penned a heartfelt eulogy on Instagram in honor of his father.
Sharing a throwback photo of himself and the 'A Pirate Looks at Forty' hitmaker relaxing by the beach at sunset, Cameron wrote: "My dad lived the happiest, most fulfilling life anyone could. We had an amazing relationship and I miss him so much."
The youngest of Buffett and Slagsvol's three kids also opened up about what he learned from his musician/mogul father. "He had an amazing gift of being able to see the positive in everything, and I will try to do the same, for him," he concluded.
In another tribute post on his website, the 'Come Monday' singer was revealed to have passed away after battling Merkel cell skin cancer for four years.
Described by the National Cancer Institute as a fast-spreading rare carcinoma that occurs on sun-exposed skin. Merkel cell skin cancer is second only to melanoma in causing skin cancer-related deaths.
Despite undergoing treatment, the artist continued to perform, with his final show being a surprise 45-minute appearance at a Mac McAnally concert in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, back on July 2.
Signs of his deteriorating health became evident in 2022 when he was hospitalized, leading to canceled shows. Earlier this year, in May and June, Buffett also announced he was "back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention", per USA Today.
Buffet's wife of 45 years also shared a statement about her late husband's final days and expressed gratitude to his dedicated followers for the unwavering support of the community they built.
"Jimmy was love," the widow wrote, explaining that even during his last moments, he managed to keep a cheerful demeanor - something both his sister and daughter Delaney spoke about in the days after his passing.
"Every cell in his body was filled with joy. He smiled all the time, even when he was deeply ill. And his sense of humor never wavered. Jimmy was always the optimist, always twinkling, always making us laugh," she continued. "To my family. I cannot begin to express what you mean to me and Jimmy. I cherish you, I love you, and I am unfathomably grateful to you every day. You are my heart."
She concluded her tribute by making a reference to his song 'Bubbles Up,' penning: "He sings, 'Just know that you are loved, there is light up above, and the joy is always enough. Bubbles up.' Jimmy knew he was loved. Right until the end, he looked for the light. Thank you for giving joy to him and to me."
Along with Cameron and Slagsvol, Buffett is survived by his daughters Savannah Jane (Joshua) and Sarah Delaney, and his grandson Marley Ray. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax, and Kody.
The family has asked 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".
Our thoughts continue to go out to Buffett's family, friends, and fans at this time.
