The late Jimmy Buffett will be honored with “a very special tribute” from Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally and Zac Brown Band at the upcoming 57th Annual CMA Awards. The Country Music Association (CMA) revealed the news early Wednesday morning (Nov. 1).
“A Very Special Tribute” To The Late Jimmy Buffett
11-time CMA Award winner Chesney, 10-time CMA Award winner and longtime The Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally, 16-time CMA Award winner Alan Jackson and 2023 Vocal Group of the Year nominee Zac Brown Band have each previously collaborated with the “Margaritaville” singer/songwriter, so the performance will be profoundly meaningful.
The tribute performance will take place at the 2023 CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 8, just over nine weeks since Buffett’s tragic passing.
Jimmy Buffett Died In September 2023 At 76
The cultural icon passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to his official social media accounts read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
His official website later revealed that he had been quietly fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for the past four years.
Kenny Chesney’s Touching Tribute To Late Jimmy Buffett
Following his passing, members of the music community shared heartfelt tributes in honor of the “Come Monday” singer, including Kenny Chesney who was one of the first to honor his dear friend.
The East Tennessee native shared an oceanside performance of “A Pirate Looks At Forty” and wrote, “So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.”
McAnally was still reeling over Buffett’s passing when he shared a tribute to the singer three weeks after his death.
“The closest thing I ever had to a big brother left this world on September 1,” he wrote. McAnally is a longtime member of Buffett’s band, The Coral Reefer Band, and previously co-wrote several tracks with the superstar. Additionally, McAnally co-produced several of Buffett’s albums, including his posthumous new album, Equal Strain On All Parts, which is set to arrive on November 3.
Will The Coral Reefer Band Continue Without Jimmy Buffett?
At Buffett’s request, The Coral Reefer Band will continue on. During a recent interview with Billboard, Mac McAnally revealed that he plans to “keep the party going.”
“The Coral Reefer Band is second family to all of us,” McAnally shared. “We are a family and Jimmy wants us to continue and we want to continue. There’s ongoing discussions about the best way to do that, the most practical way to do that and how to do it in a way that is worthy of the legacy that we’re part of.”
Longtime Friend Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson previously teamed up with Buffett on the iconic hit, “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere.” The track arrived in the summer of 2003 and went on to win the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 2003. It was also named the No.3 country song of the decade by Billboard.
Zac Brown Band worked with Buffett on numerous occasions, including the song “Knee Deep” in 2011. They later shared the stage for CMT Crossroads in 2020, and in 2022, they joined forces for a reimagined version of ZBB’s chart-topping hit, “Same Boat.”
Who Is Performing At 2023 CMA Awards?
The CMA Awards will also feature performances by Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, Little Big Town, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, The War And Treaty and more.
Hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday Nov. 8 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. The show will be available the next day on Hulu.
