On Friday, September 1, Jimmy Buffett passed away at 76 after a four-year struggle with Merkel cell skin cancer. Following the news of his death, his sister Laurie has given details about how the “I Have Found Me a Home” crooner spent the final days before his death.
In an interview with People, the 74-year-old revealed that her brother spent his last days reminiscing about childhood memories with his family members and kept a high spirit while facing death.
Jimmy Buffett’s final hours
“We shared memories of our childhood with Jimmy during his last days. We would repeat stories, and Jimmy would laugh and nod his head to let us know that he remembered,” Laurie admitted. “I have never seen Jimmy depressed ever. Not even at the end. We all like to joke and laugh and that was very much Jimmy.”
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Laurie confessed that she would miss her elder brother, who was always a source of comfort to her. “He brought joy to so many. I am very emotional now,” she told People. “When Jimmy was in the world, I felt safe. Even though I have Tom, it will be a whole new thing for me to be without my brother Jimmy.”
Laurie says she is surprised her brother did not overcome his battles with skin cancer
The 74-year-old further revealed that she and her late brother suffered the same medical condition and, despite facing his fears, he was a close ally during the trying period. “When Jimmy found out [I had cancer], he brought the whole family and the dogs to Montana to be with me. Jimmy and I became closer because of our cancers,” Laurie confessed. “We talked before and after our scans. We shared a club that nobody wants to join.”
Laurie expressed her profound disbelief and sorrow about her brother’s death due to the disease, “I am thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.”