Jimmy Buffett's cause of death has been revealed in a post on his official website.
On Friday (September 1), an initial statement shared to JimmyBuffett.com revealed the heartbreaking news that the legendary musician had passed away at the age of 76.
The official statement revealed that he "passed away peacefully" at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, "surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs." The announcement continued: "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."
Now, it has been revealed in a tribute post to the star that the 'Come Monday' singer had been battling Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years.
Described by the National Cancer Institute as a fast-spreading rare carcinoma that appears on sun-exposed skin. Merkel cell skin is second only to melanoma in causing skin cancer-related deaths.
Despite undergoing treatment, Buffett continued to perform; his final show was a surprise 45-minute appearance at a Mac McAnally concert in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, back on July 2. Upon making his way onto the stage, the crowd roared to its feet.
Signs of his declining health became apparent 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.
Buffett first gained mainstream popularity in the 1970s with hits like 'Margaritaville' and 'Come Monday'. His music often transported listeners to a beachside paradise, celebrating a carefree lifestyle that resonated with a wide audience.
Over the course of his long career, Buffett released more than 30 albums, several of which have been certified gold or platinum. In 2003, Buffett received the Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year for his duet with Alan Jackson for the track, 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere'. Amazingly, this was his first music award, despite his lengthy career.
The musician's passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from celebrity admirers including Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Kenny Chesney, as well as U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton.
President Biden tweeted: "A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another.
"We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together."
Elon John wrote in an Instagram story that "Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him and he never let them down." John continued: "This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon. Condolences to (his wife) Jane and the family from (my husband) David (Furnish) and me."
Buffett had been keenly aware of life's fragility, especially after experiencing a few close calls of his own. He told USA TODAY in 2020, during the release of what would be his final album, Life on the Flipside: "I've had a couple close calls and I'm still here."
He cited a 1994 plane crash and a 2011 stage fall as inspiration for his song 'Live Like It's Your Last Day'.
"So I think I've been living like it could be my last day for a long time," he added.
Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane (Slagsvol) Buffett, his daughters Savannah Jane (Joshua) and Sarah Delaney, his son Cameron Marley (Lara), 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.
