Keeping his island spirit alive.
The legendary Jimmy Buffett passed away late last Friday, September 1 at the age of 76, after a private 4-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer.
His daughter Delaney recently paid tribute to her late father, saying that the iconic singer told his family not to be sad or scared, but to keep the party going:
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Well that’s exactly what they’re doing, because just a week after his passing, three new Jimmy Buffett songs have been released to keep the party – and the laid-back Margaritaville-inspired lifestyle Buffett created – alive.
The first is “Like My Dog,” a humorous song that’s classic Buffett, about a man who just wants his woman to love him like his dog does.
The second, and one that could become a fan-favorite for Parrotheads, is “My Gummie Just Kicked In.” This one’s a rocking island tune about what happens when the gummy finally hits…
And the third is “Bubbles Up,” which almost seems like a message from Buffett to himself and all those around them as he prepared to embark on his next journey.
All three of the songs are exactly what you’d expect from Jimmy Buffett, and with a catalog as deep as his, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are quite a few more songs hidden away in the vault that eventually get released.
After all, we’ve got to keep the party going somehow.
Tributes Have Been Pouring In
As news of his passing spread, many took to social media to pay tribute to the pirate whose songs played such a huge part in the soundtrack of our lives.
Kenny Chesney, who had a close friendship with Buffett and had appeared with him many times over the years, shared a touching tribute of himself on a quiet beach singing Buffett’s song “A Pirate Looks At Forty.”
And Alan Jackson, whose duet with Buffett on “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is one of his most well-known hits, shared a photo of himself and Buffett holding their CMA Awards for Vocal Event of the Year that they won for the collaboration:
"Shores distant shores,
There's where I'm headed for,
I got the stars to guide my way,
Sail into the light of day…" #BoatsToBuildRIP my friend, @jimmybuffett. pic.twitter.com/6j6NrPSRXJ
— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) September 2, 2023
Blake Shelton also paid tribute to Buffett, revealing that the song for his new TV game show Barmageddon was actually written by Buffett:
Heart broken this morning hearing of Jimmy Buffett's passing. What an incredible talent and man. His songs will live on forever. I’ll bet most of y’all don’t know that he wrote the theme song for @BarmageddonUSA for me about 2 years ago. Raising a glass today to the Son of a son…
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) September 2, 2023
And the Oak Ridge Boys, who recorded two songs with Buffett, also paid their respects, with Joe Bonsall also adding his own tribute with “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”
TIDBIT: we recorded 2 songs with Jimmy on his Havana Daydreaming album in 1975 #RIPJimmyBuffet
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) September 2, 2023
#RIPJimmyBuffet pic.twitter.com/XYDmi3Chpa
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) September 2, 2023
Many other country stars also paid tribute to the legend who had such a major influence on the genre – and even more than music, on our culture.
The pirate has passed. RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us -T pic.twitter.com/HpyDWYWPfE
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) September 2, 2023
Sad to hear the world lost Jimmy Buffet last night, but what a great life he lived as he brought so much happiness to the world. I think "Come Monday" is my favorite song of his. He was at his best solo on an acoustic in my opinion:) Love this video👇https://t.co/FEMbKKXjH5
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) September 2, 2023
Thank you Jimmy Buffet for the joy, love, and escape you provided for so many. For inspiring songwriters to write their truth and tell stories with a wink, and for providing countless musicians like us a comfortable, welcoming place to create our own music. Rest Easy. ❤️ 🦜 pic.twitter.com/XKsUmMLPgP
— Old Dominion (@OldDominion) September 2, 2023
Rest in peace, Jimmy. Enjoy your cheeseburger in paradise.





