Jimmy Buffett Dead at 76: Tributes Flood In for 'Margaritaville' Singer

Legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away on Friday aged 76, according to a statement published on his official website.

Buffett, who wrote and performed the 1977 hit song "Margaritaville," founded a business empire including resorts, casinos, restaurants, retirement communities, and a radio station, amassing a personal fortune of $1 billion by June 2023, according to Forbes.

In a statement, his team said: "Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.

"He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."

Buffet is survived by his wife, Jane Slagsvol, whom he married in 1977, and his three children Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron. He was married previously to Margie Washichek between 1969 and 1972.

Buffet released more than 50 albums during the course of his career, but is perhaps best known for his iconic singles such as "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere."

Tributes have already begun pouring in for Buffett on social media.

Posting to his 98,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, publicist Danny Deraney wrote: "Jimmy Buffett played by his own rules wrote songs he wanted to sing and always to sold out shows. Parrotheads hold a margarita in your honor."

Journalist Dave Osborn commented: "Farewell, Son of a Sailor. Come Monday, it won't be all right now that you've left us. RIP Jimmy Buffett."

A third X user wrote: "It's official. Jimmy Buffett's website reports that Jimmy has passed away. I hope that 5 o'clock somewhere Jimmy is having a cheeseburger in paradise."

In May, Buffett was hospitalized briefly by a health scare which led him to cancel a planned performance in Charleston, South Carolina.

In a statement, he said: "I had a sudden change of plans this week that affected us all. Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California 'winter tour', and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston. I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention.

"Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you. I also will promise you, that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I'll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup.

"You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, 'NOT YET!' Love to all!"

In addition to his music career, Buffett was a successful businessman, opening his first Margaritaville Café in 1985 in Key West, Florida, with several more later opening across the U.S. and Caribbean. In 2002, Buffett launched a chain of Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants, in collaboration with Outback Steakhouse.

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, Buffett's fans began listing their favorite works from the singer, in a thread that was widely shared on Twitter.

In 2018, Buffett caused a stir by going surfing off the coast of South Carolina ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence. He wrote on Instagram: "I ain't afraid of dying I got no need to explain. I feel like going surfing in this hurricane." The latter comment is a reference to his 2009 song "Surfing in a Hurricane."