On behalf of everyone (who works, visits, or lives) in Margaritaville, we mourn the loss of Jimmy, a true national treasure, and express our heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone around the world who loves him. Artist, performer, writer, navigator, friend, and entrepreneur - it is hard to imagine anyone who has ever brought so much fun to so many. What Jimmy loved most was getting on a stage - big, small, indoors, outdoors, anywhere in the world - and changing the attitude and latitude of audiences to a vacation state of mind. Jimmy lived his life like his songs: from beaches to boats to bars, sailing, surfing, and flying. He knew how to have fun and cared deeply about bringing everyone else along with him for the ride. When he flashed that signature smile one-on-one or to 100,000, somehow you just felt happy to be in his orbit. His original idea for Margaritaville was to expand the opportunity for as many people to experience the lifestyle immortalized in his iconic song as possible. We celebrate his life, believe his spirit lives on like a never-ending encore, and will see his radiant smile and that twinkle in his eye when we look towards the sun and will continue to share his way of life wherever, whenever we can. Fins Up Forever
It was in a 1984 Brown Chevy van bought second hand with a straight six and three-on-the tree that I was introduced to Jimmy Buffett. When we bought the van, I could stand in it without bending over, when we sold it we gave it away to immigrant farm workers when I was 19. My dad drove this van. It had cassette tapes, two to be precise, The Eagles and Jimmy Buffet. This old van needed the assistance of downhill speed to make it over the Oregon coast range. When it was sunny we would listen to Jimmy. The memories of Jimmy's Son of a Sailor and Pirates Look at Forty are beyond tangible. I can time travel back 30 years. The songs and the sun, connected to my father, and to that van. Stopping off at mile marker 15 to swim! My point in my story is this, I don't know Jimmy Buffet. I don't know if he was a good man. The fruit of his labor, his songs, was that it transported our lower class daily lives to a transcendent remote island. I believe that if you are truly doing what you love, that your work and efforts will transcend your expectations and influence even a young boy dreaming about being a pirate. Jimmy, say hi to Dad. He was also born 200 years to late. May our work inspire! #proofofwork
If the world got along like we did at a Margaritaville concert.... No war. No races just everyone in the same place, one huge dysfunctional family wasting away together, in fun and harmony signing silly songs that helps us move on.... God Bless Jimmy and his family and all of us extended family of Parrotheads. :-( Breathe in, breathe out... be we will never move on from Jimmy.
Paul McNamee
1y
I had the privilege to move into Latitude Margaritaville Hilton head. It’s a wonderful community built around the Jimmy Buffett theme of life. At 5 o’clock yesterday, Sept 3rd, Approximately 1500 residents showed up at town center and raised a toast to the memory of our captain 🦜🌴🍹Fins Up!
Russ Saputo
1y
Not only am I thankful to sell Landshark Lager and margaritaville brands in my portfolio I am most greatful for the memories I shared with my family and friends at multiple Margaritaville resorts in the USA. We will continue our traditional visits to these amazing locations for as long as I am able to visit them. Rest in Peace Jimmy B we will never forget your amazing gift making people happy buy simply having a cold drink in hand and toes in the sand . Fins Up !
Anna Ference
1y
I have a beautiful story to share about who Jimmy Buffet truly was - the man behind the legend. A young woman, who came to work for me many years ago at Javits, was his children’s nanny in Sag Harbor LI throughout her college years. Besides paying her weekly salary, he paid for her entire college tuition.
Dick Sheehan
1y
When I got back from Vietnam and after I got out of Uncle Sam’s army, I went to the Caribbean (Jamaica, PR, BVIs, etc.) and fell in love with the island lifestyle; going back as much as I could afford. Years later, when the “Pirate” started bringing it to us in music and song, it was like I could travel there in my mind. His song “First Look” was such a reminder of my first trip to Jamaica!
Heartbroken is an understatement. He was an inspiration of mine since high school and influential in all aspects of my life. His concerts were truly the best nights of my life. Cheers to a man loved by so many and who brought immense joy to all who listened to his music.
God Bless You Jimmy for all the Fun and Music you added to my Life - Remembering the Great Times in Key West
Ryan McDonald
10mo
Rest in peace JB! So sad to also hear that Margaritaville Las Vegas is closing its doors so soon after his passing…. 😢
Professional Photographer
1yIt’s 5 o’clock in Heaven and the music just started!