Jimmy Buffett, the 76-year-old musician died on Friday, September 1, following a battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Buffett’s sister, Laurie Buffett McGuane, and her husband, author Tom McGuane, spoke with People about the “Margaritaville” singer’s last days.
McGuane, has revealed that the singer-songwriter spent his final days laughing and sharing childhood memories with his loved ones.
McGuane told People magazine that she and her sister, Lulu Buffett, were by Buffett’s side when he died on September 1 at the age of 76. She said that they talked about their childhood and shared stories, and that Buffett never seemed depressed or down.
“He was always high-spirited, fun-loving, hard working and creative,” Tom told the outlet. “It is remarkable to be able to say that he remained the same during the last month of his life. His sense of humor was fully intact. God bless him for keeping himself that way.”
Laurie said she and her sister Lucy were with Jimmy when he died. She also recalled talking about growing up in Alabama before his passing.
“He smiled with those twinkling blue eyes and squeezed my hand,” McGuane said. “He was a phenomenal person.”
“We shared memories of our childhood with Jimmy during his last days,” Laurie said. “We would repeat stories, and Jimmy would laugh and nod his head to let us know that he remembered. I have never seen Jimmy depressed ever. Not even at the end. We all like to joke and laugh and that was very much Jimmy.”
“He brought joy to so many. I am very emotional now,” she continued. “When Jimmy was in the world, I felt safe. Even though I have Tom, it will be a whole new thing for me to be without my brother Jimmy.”
Buffett was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma in 2019. He underwent surgery and treatment, but the cancer eventually spread to his lymph nodes.
Despite his illness, Buffett remained active and continued to perform and record music. He released his latest album, “Life on the Flip Side,” in 2022.
McGuane said that her brother’s death was a “huge loss” for her and her family, but that they are grateful for the time they had with him.
His legacy will live on in his music, his books, and his many other ventures. He will be remembered as one of the most popular and influential musicians of his generation.
When the late singer Jimmy Buffett was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer about four years ago, his younger sister Laurie Buffett McGuane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer not long after. https://t.co/klqHJWPRZB
— CNN (@CNN) September 5, 2023
