Jimmy Buffett, the beloved singer-songwriter known for his carefree beach anthems and the legendary Margaritaville lifestyle, left this world with the same spirit he lived by—joyful, optimistic, and full of love. His final moments with his wife Jane Slagsvol, whom he married in 1977, were marked by warmth, humor, and an unwavering zest for life, even as he faced a difficult battle with Merkel cell skin cancer12.
Jane Slagsvol’s heartfelt tribute, shared on Buffett’s official website shortly after his passing, paints a vivid picture of their last years together. Despite the challenges of his illness, Jimmy never lost his trademark smile or sense of humor. Jane recalled how he “smiled all the time, even when he was deeply ill,” and remained “always the optimist, always twinkling, always making us laugh.” Their home was filled with stories, laughter, and the love of family and friends—a “microclimate of affection” that buoyed them through the toughest times12.
Buffett’s final public performance was a surprise concert at Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in early July 2023, just two months before his death. This intimate show, attended by a few hundred loyal fans, was a poignant farewell that captured his enduring connection with his audience. The restaurant owner described the event as “unbelievable” and a memory that will last a lifetime for those present. Fans have since traveled great distances to visit the site of Buffett’s last concert, a testament to the deep impact he had on his followers34.
In a deeply personal reflection, Jimmy’s sister Lucy Buffett revealed his last words to her: “Have fun.” These words encapsulate the essence of Jimmy’s life philosophy—embracing joy and celebration even in the face of mortality. Lucy described their final goodbye as “beautiful,” with Jimmy’s characteristic sparkle in his eye and a clear message that “the music, the party and the good life was to continue.” He did not seek to “rest in peace” but rather to inspire those he loved to keep living fully56.
Jane’s tribute also expressed profound gratitude to the medical professionals, friends, and fans who supported them throughout Jimmy’s illness. She acknowledged the overwhelming kindness they received and how it sustained them. Jane closed her message by emphasizing the love that filled every moment: “Jimmy was love. Every cell in his body was filled with joy.” She shared an excerpt from his last recorded song, “Bubbles Up,” underscoring that Jimmy knew he was deeply loved “right until the end”12.
Jimmy Buffett’s farewell was not a quiet retreat but a celebration of a life lived on his own terms—surrounded by love, music, and the promise that the party isn’t over yet. His legacy endures not just in his songs but in the hearts of those who knew him and the millions who found joy in his music and message.
“He didn’t care about resting in peace. The last words he whispered to me were, ‘Have fun.’” — Lucy Buffett, on her brother Jimmy’s final goodbye.