Renowned musician and businessman Jimmy Buffett has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by a statement on his website. While the statement did not disclose the cause of his death, it mentioned that Buffett was surrounded by his family at the time. In recent years, the artist had been dealing with health complications, which led to the postponement of a concert in South Carolina and a festival performance in Milwaukee.
Buffett was best known for his laid-back, tropical-themed music, with hits like "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise." In addition to his successful music career, Buffett ventured into the business world, rebranding his aesthetic into a chain of resorts and restaurants called Margaritaville. This move proved highly profitable, leading Forbes to include him on their billionaires list earlier this year. His net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, making him the 2,543rd richest person in the world.
Aside from his music and business endeavors, Buffett also held a stake in Berkshire Hathaway, the investment conglomerate owned by billionaire Warren Buffett (no relation). Warren Buffett humorously commented on their connection, stating, "Tell Jimmy to keep me in his will!" This further highlights the diverse portfolio and financial success of the late musician.
Buffett's career took off in 1977 with the release of "Margaritaville," which quickly became a hit. He continued to produce music throughout the following decades, collaborating with artists such as Alan Jackson on the chart-topping country song "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere." Alongside his music, Buffett founded Margaritaville Holdings as a promotional side business, gradually expanding it to include various ventures, from resorts and restaurants to tequila and margarita mixes.
In a December interview with Forbes, Buffett revealed that he never anticipated creating a unique brand of music until he moved from Nashville to the Florida Keys. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, leading to the development of his iconic tropical escape sound.
Jimmy Buffett leaves behind a legacy as both a beloved musician and a successful entrepreneur. His contributions to the music industry and the world of business will be remembered by fans and industry professionals alike.