A message published on Jimmy Buffett’s website on Sunday stated that the well-known singer-songwriter passed away on Friday after battling Merkel cell skin cancer for four years.
The 76-year-old Buffett was well known for his beach-themed soft rock songs like “Margaritaville” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
“He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July,” the post read.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon type of skin cancer that can spread within two to three years of being detected and has a high risk of returning.
According to the association, there are about 3,000 new instances of Merkel cell cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Merkel cell carcinoma more frequently affects older individuals, and immune system weakness or prolonged sun exposure can raise the chance of getting cancer.
After being hospitalized in May, Buffett postponed a performance in order to handle “some issues that needed immediate attention.”
In lieu of flowers, his family asked that contributions be sent to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in addition to Buffett’s nonprofit, Singing for Change.
Buffett, who was also a businessman and author and was born on Christmas Day in 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, is known for founding the Margaritaville chain of restaurants and Land Shark beer.
