Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett mourned by friend Paul McCartney
In a heartfelt statement on his official website, Paul McCartney expressed his condolences for the passing of his friend and beloved tropical rock musician, Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, who was 76 years old, died on Friday.
McCartney, an icon of The Beatles, took to his verified Instagram page to post a touching tribute to Buffett. In the tribute, McCartney spoke about the fond memories he shared with the musician.
“It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them,” McCartney wrote. “I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”
McCartney also shared a story about how Buffett had one of his “roadies” re-string a guitar for him so that McCartney, who is left-handed, could play during a trip after forgetting his own guitar. As an act of generosity, Buffett then gifted McCartney his own beautiful left-handed guitar made by one of his guitar-making friends.
The statement also mentioned a fun recording session McCartney had with Buffett, where he had the opportunity to listen to some of Buffett’s new, unreleased music. McCartney particularly praised a song called “Bubbles Up” and complimented Buffett’s vocals on the track.
Buffett had been battling Merkel cell skin cancer for four years prior to his death, according to an updated obituary on his official website. Despite his illness, Buffett continued to perform during his treatment. He was briefly hospitalized in May after a trip to the Bahamas but updated his fans the following day that he was heading home and planning a fishing trip with old friends.
In his tribute, McCartney remembered Buffett for his lust for life and sense of humor. “Right up to the last minute, his eyes still twinkled with a humor that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it,'” McCartney wrote.
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Buffett, whose talent and spirit will be deeply missed.