Jake Owen is mourning the loss of his “musical hero,” Jimmy Buffett, who died at the age of 76 years old on Friday evening (Sept. 1).
The country superstar took to social media on Saturday morning (Sept. 2), just hours after the “Margaritaville” singer’s passing to share a heartfelt goodbye.
“@jimmybuffett was my musical hero and an embodiment of the kind of person you strive to be outside of music. He lived for surfing, embraced a barefoot lifestyle, and sang songs that celebrated the essence of living life to the fullest,” Owen began.
Jimmy Buffett Was The Soundtrack Of Jake Owen’s Life Growing Up
He continued by expressing that he was raised listening to Jimmy Buffett’s music, acknowledging that Buffett’s songs served as the soundtrack for his life and the lives of many other Floridians.
“Growing up in Vero Beach, I spent Sundays at Riverside Cafe, strumming my acoustic guitar from noon to 4. After packing up, the Land Sharks band would take the stage, serenading us with every Jimmy Buffett classic. For us Floridians, Jimmy Buffett’s music was our life’s soundtrack,” Owen continued.
Jake Owen then recalled the day a few years ago when he offered an invitation to Buffett to perform at his annual Jake Owen Foundation event.
“A few years back, I asked Jimmy to perform at our annual Jake Owen Foundation event in our little hometown. Without hesitation, Jimmy left me a message, expressing his eagerness to support our cause. He flew into Vero Airport, clad in flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt, and transported our entire town to Margaritaville,” he added. “This is just one example of how Jimmy touched people’s lives.”
He concluded his emotional message grieving Buffett’s loss while emphasizing the importance of the legacy we leave behind. Jake Owen also shared that he aspires to follow in Buffett’s footsteps of making a positive impact on others’ lives.
“I’ll miss him dearly, but I’ll also remember that we all have our moment when we’re called home. It’s the legacy we leave behind and the kind of person we are that truly matter. Jimmy is the kind of person I aspire to be—leaving behind smiles and a few footprints in the sand. Rest in peace, my friend. Fins up!”
RELATED: Blake Shelton Says He’s “Heartbroken” Over Death Of Jimmy Buffett: “His Songs Will Live On Forever”
The Pair Previously Performed Together
Jake Owen and Jimmy Buffett have some history together. In fact, not only did Buffett perform at the 9th Annual Jake Owen Foundation event in 2019, but Owen also performed during Jimmy Buffett’s Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert in Tallahassee, FL on November 19, 2017.
Owen has also performed several times with Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefers through the years.
Additionally, Jake Owen shouts out Jimmy Buffett on the chorus of his song “Nothing,” which appears on his latest album, Loose Cannon. Listen to the tune below.
“Nothin’ goin’ on all day long/ Got a whole lotta nothin’ to do/ Flippin’ that sign on the door of my life/ Sayin’ I’ll be back in a few/ Yeah, don’t get many days I get to kick it like Jimmy Buffett/ But when I do, to tell you the truth, man, I love it/ Yeah, I don’t need nothin’ (Nope, nope, nope, nope)/ No, I don’t need nothin’ (Nope, nope, nope, nope),” Owen sang on the track.
Buffett Died At 76 Years Old On September 1
Jimmy Buffett, the beloved “Margaritaville” singer and leader of the Parrotheads, passed away at the age of 76 years old.
According to a statement shared on Saturday morning (Sept. 2) via Buffett’s social media, the singer/songwriter passed away late Friday evening (Sept. 1).
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
RELATED: Jimmy Buffett’s Cause Of Death Revealed
Battling An Undisclosed Illness
While his cause of death is unclear, Buffett has been battling an undisclosed illness since 2022. Most recently, he was forced to reschedule a concert in May after being hospitalized to address medical issues that need “immediate attention.”
‘Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you. I also will promise you, that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I’ll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup. You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, ‘NOT YET!’”
In September of 2022, Jimmy Buffett canceled his entire tour and his team revealed that he would not be touring for the remainder of the year due to “due to health issues” and a “brief hospitalization.”
Born On December 25, 1946 And Died On September 1, 2023
Buffett, whose real name is James William Buffett, was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi and raised in Alabama. He moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music in the late 1960s and also spent most of his time in New Orleans and Key West.
Jimmy Buffett’s musical career began in the late 1960s, and he soon became known for his unique blend of country, folk, and Gulf Coast rock, often referred to as “Gulf and Western.”
In 1970, he released his debut album titled Down To Earth. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1977, with the release of his seventh studio album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, that Jimmy Buffett and his band The Coral Reefers catapulted into mainstream fame, thanks to the project’s hit single “Margaritaville.”
“Margaritaville” has gone on to become a massive, world renowned hit and was even included on The Recording Industry Association Of America’s list of Songs Of The Century.
With his signature laid-back style and a guitar in hand, he enchanted audiences worldwide, transporting them to a world of sun-soaked beaches, swaying palm trees, and carefree days.
Timeless Hits That Became Anthems Of Escapism
His timeless hits like “Fins,” “Come Monday,” “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” became anthems of escapism and celebration, evoking the spirit of a never-ending beachside vacation.
Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett has collaborated with several country artists, including Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and George Strait.
Beyond his chart-topping success, Jimmy Buffett was a prolific songwriter, author, and actor.
He has released several novels, including Tales from Margaritaville and A Salty Piece of Land, which offered fans a deeper insight into the characters and stories behind his music. Buffett’s engaging storytelling also extended to the big screen, where he appeared in films such as Rancho Deluxe and Hoot.
Buffett’s indomitable spirit of adventure led him to explore diverse interests, from piloting planes and sailing the seas to founding the Margaritaville brand in 1985. The Margaritaville brand encompasses restaurants, hotels, and a lifestyle empire, all embodying his laid-back philosophy. He once said, “I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”
Margaritavillle
Buffett’s indomitable spirit of adventure led him to explore diverse interests, from piloting planes and sailing the seas to founding the Margaritaville brand in 1985. The Margaritaville brand encompasses restaurants, hotels, and a lifestyle empire, all embodying his laid-back philosophy.
Thanks to his lucrative businesses, Buffett was named one of the richest musicians in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, by Forbes as well as added to the World’s Billionaire List.
Jimmy Buffett’s philanthropic endeavors were equally admirable. He dedicated himself to environmental conservation, particularly marine and coastal protection, and established the “Save the Manatee Club” to safeguard the beloved aquatic creatures he cherished.
Buffett’s live performances were legendary, drawing thousands of fans, known as the Parrotheads, from all corners of the globe. His annual tours were more than concerts; they were vibrant celebrations of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Survived By His Wife And Three Children
Jimmy Buffett is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Jane Slagsvol, and children Savannah Buffett, Sarah Delaney Buffett and Cameron Marley Buffett.
Additionally, Jimmy Buffett was expected to release his new album, Equal Strain On All Parts, later this year, which would serve as the follow-up to their 2020 project, Life On The Flip Side. It is now unclear if the project will still be released.
