Jimmy Buffett, singer of “Margaritaville”, dies at 76.

Jimmy Buffett, the singer-songwriter including the laid-back Key West sound who won him a legion of “Parrothead” fans and spawned a music and business empire, has died at the age of 76.

His death was announced Friday evening in a press release published on his social networks and websites.

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement said. “He lived his life like a song until his last breath and he will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

The statement did not specify the cause of death, but illness forced him to postpone his concerts in May, and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized but provided no details.

According to reports, including NBC News, Buffett was reportedly fight against skin cancer.

PHOTOS: See Jimmy Buffett Through the Years: First Photos from Concerts and Appearances in Florida

But in May, he took to Twitter and his webpage to explain to his loyal Parrotheads why he had to postpone the final concert of his Second Wind tour in Charleston, South Carolina. He said he was in a Boston hospital but optimistic and follow treatment.

“I finish my treatments tomorrow and go home to Sag Harbor for a while, then head to the Bahamas for a fishing trip with old friends, some boating and sailing and get back in shape,” said Buffett told the Miami Herald. in an email. “Once I’m fit, we’ll see when and where the shows are.” I think performing is as therapeutic for me as seeing the fans listen and sing along.

Buffett, who spent years developing his signature sound in Key West — his band was known as the Coral Reefers — became one of America’s most beloved artists with hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” He was also a successful and savvy trader and businessman, with a net worth of approximately $600 million. Buffett’s music and business empire includes restaurants, casinos, hotels and resorts, a retirement village, a cruise liner, clothing and publishing. Plus 29 studio albums, and as many live albums and compilations combined, plus a handful of books.

“Margaritaville,” released on February 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those who were “wasting away,” an excuse for a life of low-key entertainment and escapism for those who were “growing up.” older, but not standing.

The song – from the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” – spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at #8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historical significance. , became a karaoke standard and helped put Key West, Florida on the map with a distinct musical sound and a destination known around the world.

In the May message announcing his illness, Buffett told his fans: “These few words from Mark Twain about life changes seemed perfect to convey at that time. “Challenges,” he said, “make life interesting, but overcoming them is what gives life meaning.” »

This story was originally published September 2, 2023, 6:40 a.m.