The late Jimmy Buffett was a well-known American musician and songwriter who significantly impacted the world of music and popular culture. Before his death on the 1st of September, the singer faced some health challenges, including a skin cancer diagnosis four years ago and a recent hospitalization in May after a trip to the Bahamas, which necessitated him entering hospice care.
Buffett is particularly celebrated for his signature style, often referred to as Gulf and Western or Trop Rock. His hit songs like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” and “Volcano” have become anthems for those who long for a break from the daily grind.
Elton John, Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, and other celebrities pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett pic.twitter.com/9DUqbe8Hmf
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) September 2, 2023
Fans and celebrities like Elton John, Brian Wilson, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney have turned to social media to mourn the loss of the musician. “Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer,” Elton John wrote. “His fans adored him, and he never let them down. This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon. Condolences to Jane and the family from David and me.”
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Country Music singer Toby Keith paid tribute by posting a picture of him and the late singer over the years with the caption, “The pirate has passed. RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us.” Also, Kenny Chesney shared a video of himself sitting on the beach in Key West, Florida, playing Buffett’s song on X, formerly known as Twitter. “So goodbye, Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.”
The co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, also took to his X account to share a picture of the legend with a touching caption, “Love and Mercy.”
The US president celebrated the legend’s passing
Also, President Joe Biden released a statement acknowledging Buffett’s death while highlighting how his songs served as an authentic reflection of America. “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, his witty, wistful songs celebrate a uniquely American cast of characters and seaside folkways, weaving together an unforgettable musical mix of country, folk, rock, pop, and calypso into something uniquely his own,” President Biden wrote.
“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,” the statement read. “Jill and I send our love to his wife of 46 years, Jane; to their children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron; to their grandchildren; and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores.”