NPR

Jimmy Buffett, who sang of wastin' away in 'Margaritaville', dies at 76

The singer-songwriter, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist song and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died.

NEW YORK — Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song "Margaritaville" and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76.

"Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," a statement posted to Buffett's official website and social media pages said late Friday. "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."

The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Two New Novels Investigate What Makes Magic, What Is Real And Imagined
Both of these novels, Pages of Mourning and The Cemetery of Untold Stories, from an emerging writer and a long-celebrated one, respectively, walk an open road of remembering love, grief, and fate.
NPR4 min read
A Monarchy Reform Activist In Thailand Dies In Detention After A Hunger Strike
Netiporn Sanesangkhom, 28, was a member of the activist group Thaluwang, known demanding reform of the monarchy and abolition of the law that makes it illegal to defame members of the royal family.
NPR4 min read
Despite State Bans, Abortions Nationwide Are Up, Driven By Telehealth
Telehealth accounts for 19% of all abortions, new research finds. And while the number of abortions did plummet in ban states, overall abortions across the country are up.

Related Books & Audiobooks