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Jimmy Buffett dies: Key West mayor honors life
'Margaritaville' singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has died at the age of 76, according to a statement on his social media. Buffett's connection to Key West, Florida is a strong one. The city's Mayor Teri Johnston joined LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow to discuss Buffett's life and legacy.
Jimmy Buffett's cause of death has been revealed.
The legendary singer had been "fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years," according to an official obituary for the star posted to his website. Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin, according to the National Cancer Institute. The site states that "sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma."
The obituary noted that Buffett "continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July."
FILE - Jimmy Buffett performs with Ilo and the Coral Reefer Allstars during Bonnaroo 2009 on June 13, 2009, in Manchester, Tennessee. (Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
The "Margaritaville" icon passed away Sept. 1 at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island. He was 76 years old.
He died peacefully surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs, according to a statement posted to his website and social media accounts.
"He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement read.
Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Slagsvol, and his three children: Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.
JIMMY BUFFETT'S LIFE IN PHOTOS
FILE - Jimmy Buffett attends Celebrating Miami Marine Stadium An Evening with Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan at Coral Gables Museum on Jan. 9, 2014, in Coral Gables, Florida. ( Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
His celebrity friends and fans posted tributes to the singer-songwriter on social media after the news of his death.
Elton John honored Buffet on his social media, writing, "Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him and he never let them down. This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon."
"Condolences to Jane and the family from David and me," he added, referring to Buffett's wife Jane and their three children.
Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys shared a simple message reading, "Love and Mercy" on his X account.
Fellow Beach Boys member Mike Love shared a tribute to the star, recalling performing with him several years ago on stage.
"Your music brought joy to so many people, including me. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed and we were able to share the stage together. I will hold dear our time spent together on stage, especially you singing ‘Kokomo’ with us," Love wrote.
John Stamos shared a clip from a performance of "Kokomo" with Buffett and Love, writing, "Rest well, Jimmy. Thank you for the teaching us all to live life to the fullest. What a loss."
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FILE - (L to R) Bruce Johnson, Michael Colbert, John Stamos, Mike Love and Jimmy Buffett pose for a photo onstage at the 2018 A Capitol Fourth at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on July 3, 2018, in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)
Blake Shelton shared a behind the scenes memory of working on his series "Barmageddon" with the late icon.
"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 of a Sailer."
"Top Gun: Maverick" star Miles Teller shared a quote from Buffett along with a photo of himself and "the legend." "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination," he wrote.
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Buffett released several pop culture staples in the 1970s and 1980s, including the 1977 hit "Margaritaville," "Come Monday," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," "A Pirate Looks at Forty" and "Pencil Thin Mustache."
Fox News Digital's Landon Mion and Elizabeth Stanton contributed to this report.