Jimmy Buffett’s Cause of Death Revealed as Merkel Cell Skin Cancer

The cause of Jimmy Buffett’s death has been revealed.

According to the star’s official obituary posted on his website, Buffett died at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, on Friday at the age of 76 from Merkel cell skin cancer – diagnosed four years ago. (Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that often begins as “red, shiny nodules on the face, arms, and neck,” according to MD Anderson Cancer Center.)

Buffett continued to perform during cancer treatment, according to the obituary. His last performance took place in July during a surprise appearance in Rhode Island.

The singer of “Margaritaville” left behind his wife Jane, with whom he had been for 46 years; daughters Savannah and Sarah; son Cameron; two sisters Laurie and Lucy, grandson Marley and his “loyal pack of dogs” Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody.

In lieu of flowers, the Buffett family is asking fans to make donations to the Jimmy Buffett Singing for Change Foundation, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or MD Anderson Cancer Center instead.

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Jimmy Buffett

Paul Morigi/Getty for Capital Concerts Inc.

Jimmy Buffett, ‘Margaritaville’ singer, dies at 76

A statement published on his social media and the website confirmed on Saturday that Buffett died Friday night with his family and friends around him.

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read the statement – which was accompanied by a touching photo of Buffett sitting on a boat.

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“He lived his life as a song until his last breath and will be missed by many,” the statement concluded.

In the months leading up to his death, Buffett — whose new album is Equal load on all parts was set to be released later this year — faced health issues that forced him to cancel or postpone several shows.

Studio portrait of American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett with arms crossed, 1990s

Francesco Da Vinci/Getty

Remembering Jimmy Buffett’s life in photos

After news of Buffett’s death broke, his famous friends remembered him with touching tributes on social media.

President Joe Biden remembered Buffett as the “poet of heaven,” while Miles Teller called the beloved musician a “legend.”

In a statement on Xu, formerly known as Twitter, Andy Cohen shared a picture of Buffett and wrote: “The King of Towers…heaven was wherever Jimmy Buffett was.”

“He was everyone’s friend and Paradise was wherever he was. Rest in peace sweet Jimmy. ❤️☀️🌊 🦜 🍔,” Cohen, 55, added on Buffett’s Instagram.

On his Instagram Story, Elton John remembered Buffet as a “unique and precious” entertainer.

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