Jimmy Buffett Dead at 76: President Joe Biden, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith and More React
Jimmy Buffett's death has sent a ripple effect across the music industry and beyond, following news that the beach bum soft rock singer died on Sept. 1. He was 76.
According to a statement posted on the singer's social media pages late Friday, Buffett died peacefully on Sept. 1 "surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs." The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death, but TMZ reported, citing sources, that the singer died from skin cancer.
Following the tragic news of his death, music stars in all genres and public figures alike shared their reaction. President Joe Biden hailed Buffett as a "poet of paradise" in a touching tribute posted Saturday on X, formerly Twitter.
"A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another," the president's verified account tweeted. "We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage -- full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together. Jill and I send our love to his wife of 46 years, Jane; to their children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron; to their grandchildren; and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores."
A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another.
We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and…— President Biden (@POTUS) September 2, 2023
Former President Bill Clinton also paid homage to the late "Margaritaville" singer.
Jimmy Buffett’s music brought happiness to millions of people. I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years, including at the White House in 2000. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and legion of devoted fans.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 2, 2023
Blake Shelton raised a glass and remembered Buffett as "an incredible talent and man."
"Heart broken this morning hearing of Jimmy Buffett's passing. What an incredible talent and man," Shelton tweeted. "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 of a Sailer."
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
LL Cool J tweeted, "Rest in power @jimmybuffett I'm glad we had time to vibe. You were and always will be a Truly inspiring human."
Rest in power @jimmybuffett I’m glad we had time to vibe. You were and always will be a Truly inspiring human. 🙏🏾❤️🕊️
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) September 2, 2023
Country star Toby Keith shared a couple of photos of their time together and called Buffett a "tremendous influence."
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
For more celebrity reactions to Buffett's death, keep scrolling.
RIP Jimmy Buffett pic.twitter.com/ApvSSILQFr
— The Simpsons (@Simpsons_tweets) September 2, 2023
Oh no. This man personified joy. Embodied goodness. Always smiling. I remember the time he met my mom at jazzfest and showered her with love… like he knew her his whole life. Bet he did that millions of times to millions of people. RIP @jimmybuffettpic.twitter.com/td7c2Jxp3b
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) September 2, 2023
So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor 🦜🌴🌊 pic.twitter.com/Pc3rvtNLlD
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) September 2, 2023
"Shores distant shores,
There's where I'm headed for,
I got the stars to guide my way,
Sail into the light of day..." #BoatsToBuild
RIP my friend, @jimmybuffett. pic.twitter.com/6j6NrPSRXJ— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) September 2, 2023
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” - the legend Jimmy Buffett pic.twitter.com/l0aMeuiOCJ
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) September 2, 2023
RIP to the absolute icon Jimmy Buffett
🙏🙏 #GameDaypic.twitter.com/YKtsu30t3C— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 2, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary musician and Cubs fan Jimmy Buffett.
Thank you for introducing Wrigley Field to the world as a concert venue.
The Cubs organization sends its sincere condolences to Buffett's family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/NXHbsbyY6e— Chicago Dubs (@Cubs) September 2, 2023
So Saddened To Hear About The Loss Of My Great Friend Jimmy Buffett! 30 Years Of Friendship! He Was An Amazing Entertainer Who Made The World A Better Place! Thank You Jimmy! Rest In Peace! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bDr8fZhlh0
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 2, 2023
Though he left the hard partying to his youth, Jimmy Buffett was able to call upon the joyful feeling of an endless summer that inspires the young, and the young at heart. But he also captured the complexities of life, love, and growing older. In a cynical world where the…
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 2, 2023
M_RG_RIT_VILLE won't be the same without you! We all love you Jimmy.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ivG8PFRuLD
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) September 2, 2023
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