Famed “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett died of skin cancer, a new report claims.
Buffett — who died Friday at the age of 76 — was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago, TMZ reported Saturday, citing sources close to the star. That disease eventually progressed into lymphoma, which killed him.
“He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively,” one close friend told the publication.
Buffett began receiving hospice care last Monday amid an outpouring of love from friends and family, TMZ said.
A week ago, Sir Paul McCartney reportedly came to Buffett’s home and sang to his family.
Buffett’s death was announced early Saturday morning in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the upload read, alongside a photo of a smiling Buffett with his hands on the rudder of a sailboat.
“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” the statement concluded.
Buffett’s death came just months after he was forced to pull the plug on several of his shows following a series of hospitalizations.
Speaking to fans in May, Buffett said he had to “address some issues that needed immediate attention,” before playfully adding: “Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you.”
Buffett, whose hits include “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” and “Trip Around the Sun,” earned his stripes as one of the most captivating names in music with a career that spanned 60 years.