But a 50-plus year recording career that spawned unparalleled devotion from fans, as well as branded restaurants, books, beer, resorts, a Broadway show, and a cruise line, established Buffett as a bona fide mogul.
The “Margaritaville” icon died Friday, according to a statement on his official website and social media pages. He was 76.
The statement reads the singer died “peacefully … surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.”
“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Buffett struggled with an undisclosed health issue starting in 2022 when he was hospitalized and forced to cancel several shows. In May and June 2023, he canceled more concerts after revealing he was “back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention.”