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Jimmy Buffett Dead at 76

Has there been a more prolific singer/songwriter in recent memory than Jimmy Buffett? Who hasn’t sung “Margaritaville” on a night out with friends? Songs like “Fins,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Changes in Latitudes,” and “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere” helped shape a generation and left an indelible mark on American culture. That is why it is with great sadness that we report Grammy Award winner Jimmy Buffett has died.

Jimmy buffett dead
Credit: Flickr, Bill Shaw

Several months ago, Mr. Buffett was forced to cancel several performances due to illness. He has had repeated hospitalizations since then, but the singer kept the details of his medical issues private- a wish his family has continued after his death. However, it is publicly known that he received Hospice care in the last months of his life.

His family reports that he died at home peacefully. In a statement on Buffet’s official website and social media pages, Buffett’s family 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,”

The iconic musician was more than just a singer/songwriter. Though his songs became the soundtrack of vacation, Mr. Buffett was also an entrepreneur and restaurant owner. His Margaritaville restaurants dot popular tourist destinations around the world. CityWalk at Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood are each home to a Margaritaville location.

His Margaritaville empire spawned a chain of resorts as well, all in island destinations, of course. These resorts have become incredibly popular vacation destinations due to their laid-back attitude and beach-bum atmosphere, much like Jimmy Buffett himself.

Jimmy buffett dead
Credit: Universal

The singer also had a cameo in the incredible Jurassic World franchise as well Where he appeared as “margarita man” and is seen running from a dinosaur attack with two margaritas in hand   He got the part due to his long-standing friendship with Jurassic World producer Frank Marshall. In fact, the producer even tweeted a photo of Buffett on set and jokingly captioned it, “the official bartender of Margaritaville Isla Nublar.”

Born James William Buffett,  people around the world simy knew him as ‘Jimmy.’ Jimmy Buffett leaves behind his wife, Jane Slagsvol, and three children: Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron. Buffett and his wife enjoyed more than 45 years of marriage.

Jill Bivins

Jill Bivins has been visiting Disney Parks since she was 2 years old and loves sharing her Disney adventures with the world. She likes to say Disney is in her blood and writing is in her bones — so any time she has the opportunity to combine these loves she is one happy camper! She has a deep abiding love for Epcot and as a die hard Star Wars fan has a serious love for Hollywood Studios as well. When she isn't exploring or writing about Disney Parks, Jill is homeschooling her 8 year old son, playing with her brand… More »

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