At 76, Jimmy Buffett passed away on Sept. 1, 2023, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, on Long Island, as confirmed by a post shared on his official Instagram account. While many were surprised at his death, some loyal fans of his, who call themselves Parrotheads, remembered that he was rushed to the hospital in May 2023 with an undisclosed medical condition.

Buffett, an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman, was known for his unique musical style, blending rock, folk, country, and Caribbean influences. His storytelling often featured the tales of hustlers, beach bums, and pirates from around the world. Notably, Buffett pioneered the “Gulf and Western” subgenre, combining tropical and coastal themes with country and folk sounds

Buffett was known for his live performances, which featured elaborate beach-theme backdrops and setups, which fans had grown to love because of the fun and party-like atmosphere of his concerts.

Although his main expertise is music, Buffett also ventured into entertainment and business. He wrote several books, including memoirs and fiction. Aside from being a renowned writer, he also owned a chain of restaurants, products and resorts named after one of his most popular songs, “Margaritaville.”

Since passing away, fans of Buffett have been debating on social media what his most popular songs are, with some suggesting their own favorite songs of the late singer being the best among his long expansive discography. He has since been considered an icon in American pop culture because of his impact and contributions to music. Read on to learn more about Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and his fans’ favorite songs, as well as his sister’s surprising revelation about his illness.

Jimmy Buffett (1983), (MCA Records/Hulton Archive via Getty Images)

Born Dec. 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in the United States, Buffett grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studied and graduated with a journalism degree in 1969.

He went on to pursue his passion for journalism before becoming a full-time musician when he arrived in Nashville, Tennessee. Eventually, Buffett’s distinct sound birthed something unique — which included country, rock, folk and even Caribbean influences.

“It’s pure escapism is all it is… I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out,” he described his sound to the Arizona Republic.

Since then, Buffett embraced this laid-back and beach-style sound, which translated into his very own line of “Margaritaville” restaurants and beach resorts.

The chain of retirement communities was aptly called Latitude Margaritaville. The first community opened in Daytona Beach, Florida. The light and breezy architecture and interior design of the homes made everyone feel as if they were on vacation all year long. A myriad of restaurants, happy hours on the beach and more kept residents happy and connected.

According to TMZ, Buffett’s cause of death was attributed to skin cancer, which eventually metastasized into lymphoma.

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

Jimmy Buffett (1976), (Tom Hill/WireImage via Getty Images)

Since his demise, fans of Buffett took to social media to mourn. In honoring the late singer, the fans revealed what they thought was Buffett’s most memorable song in his career.  Although he was known for his song “Margaritaville,” fans cherish a lot of other songs from his discography as well.

“Very sad to hear Jimmy Buffett has died. My very Miami, very salt-soaked, grew up on the ocean, dad sang me (a cleaned up) version of A Pirate Looks at Forty as my bedtime song when I was a little kid. I’ll always call it Mother Mother Ocean. Rest In Peace,” a fan revealed.

“A Pirate Looks at Forty” was one of his most popular songs, it was even covered by Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in 1982.

“The double-sided Coconut Telegraph/Son of A Sailor tape was like 30% of my childhood,” another attested. “Coconut Telegraph” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” were both titles of Buffett’s eighth and tenth albums, respectively, and the titles of their lead title tracks too.

Another fan recalled hearing a lot of Buffett when he was still a kid, which is why one of his favorite songs was “He Went To Paris,” his 1973 song from the album “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean.”

Some fans also took the time to wish Buffett some peace, suggesting to enjoy heaven’s banquet.

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy Buffet. He was an absolute legend. Many fun nights were spent singing his songs over the years. I hope he’s enjoying his cheeseburger in Paradise, and a Margarita too. Cheers Jimmy. May you RIP,” a fan tweeted.

Jimmy Buffett (2009), (Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Buffett’s younger sister, Laurie Buffett McGuane, revealed to People that she and her famous brother had both been diagnosed with cancer at about the same time. She opened up about the way they supported each other as they battled their health condition and how devastated she was by his passing.

“Jimmy and I were diagnosed with cancer about the same time,” the 74-year-old told the outlet. “It was four years ago and Jimmy was actually diagnosed first. When Jimmy found out (I had cancer), he brought the whole family and the dogs to Montana to be with me.”

McGuane said she sought treatment for her pancreatic cancer at Duke University and is now cancer-free. She recounted:

“Jimmy and I became closer because of our cancers. We talked before and after our scans. We shared a club that nobody wants to join. I am thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.”

McGuane called her brother a “phenomenal person” who, despite his illness, “wanted to perform the shows that he had to cancel.” His unwavering spirit became an inspiration for McGuane, who began to take her cancer treatments in stride instead of sitting back and complaining.

“I rode my horse during my treatments and tried to continue with my life the same way Jimmy has done,” she said.

With Buffett’s passing, McGuane, like so many others around the world, was left to grieve over the loss of a one-of-a-kind man. She lamented:

“He brought joy to so many. I am very emotional now. When Jimmy was in the world, I felt safe. Even though I have Tom, it will be a whole new thing for me to be without my brother Jimmy.”

Rest in peace, Jimmy Buffett. Are you a fan of his? What is your favorite or memorable song or performance of his? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other Jimmy Buffett fans!