For tens of millions of people, Jimmy Buffet was the living embodiment of life as a beach party.
But, as with all parties, his had to come to an end. Buffett passed away last night at his home “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.” He was 76 years old.
A brief statement on his website announced his death.
“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The statement did not provide details as to where he died or give a cause of death. Recent social media posts recently indicated that he had been hospitalized, and illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May.
For a generation of fans, Buffett provided a brand of pure escapism centered on the beach life which drew heavily on his time living in Key West, Florida. Critics were typically unenthralled, seeming to focus on the juxtaposition of his image as a laid-back beach bum and his extraordinary business acumen, which resulted in him amassing a fortune of over $1 billion through a variety of brand-related businesses, from restaurants and bars to packaged food to alcoholic beverages and attire.
But through it all, Buffett continued to produce music that provided his fans – his “Parrotheads” – relief from the everyday pressures of life, singing of the joys and pains of one removed from the fast lane and lounging on the fringe of society – preferably in a hammock with a cold beer in hand.
“Still time to make a new life in the palm trees. And if it doesn’t work out there’ll never be any doubt that the pleasure was worth all the pain.” – The Weather Is Here, I Wish You Were Beautiful
Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.
