Singer Jimmy Buffett passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, New York on Friday at the age of 76. According to a statement released on his website, the iconic “Margaritaville” singer had been grappling with skin cancer for several years leading up to his demise.
The website revealed that Buffett was diagnosed with Merkel cell cancer. This form of cancer is considered exceptionally rare, as stated by the National Cancer Institute. Individuals over the age of 50, those with excessive sun exposure, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this disease. Merkel cell cancer is known for its rapid growth and propensity to spread early, first to nearby lymph nodes, and subsequently to distant nodes, skin, and organs including the lungs, brain, and bones.
Despite undergoing treatment, Buffett’s passion for his craft never waned. Fans were treated to his final performance during an unexpected appearance in Rhode Island this past July, as mentioned on his website.
Key West, Florida, where Buffett resided for a significant portion of his life, paid tribute to the singer with a grand parade on Sunday evening, as covered by CBS News Miami.
Buffett’s health struggles in 2022 became evident when he was compelled to postpone tour dates due to health-related complications and a brief hospital stay. Originally slated for the end of 2022, these dates were moved to 2023. In a subsequent turn of events, a South Carolina concert scheduled for May was canceled after Buffett was admitted to the hospital. Reflecting on the challenges of aging, he candidly remarked, “Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.”
Jimmy Buffett spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagsvol, their two daughters, Savannah Jane and Sarah Delaney, and their son, Cameron Marley.
