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.”
GETTY/Lionel Hahn
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.”