Kenny Chesney Pays Tribute To Jimmy Buffett After His Death

Kenny Chesney Honors Jimmy Buffett Following His Passing At Age 76

Kenny Chesney is mourning the death of his dear friend and musical inspiration, Jimmy Buffett.

Buffett passed away on Friday night (September 1) at the age of 76. The sad news was shared in a statement on his official social media pages:

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st 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 experienced some health issues in the later years of his life.

In May, he was forced to postpone a show following a hospitalization. He shared an update on his condition after that and thanked fans for their support. Buffett expressed the hope he’d be able to return to performing once he was “in shape.”

Kenny & Jimmy Were Good Friends & Collaborators

Many of Buffett’s signature songs were beachy in style. From “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” he was known for his carefree tunes about the sun and sand.

His songs certainly inspired Kenny Chesney, who followed in Buffett’s footsteps. He too, has many beach-themed songs in his catalog, including “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” and “Pirate Flag.”

Naturally, Chesney and Buffett were good friends. The two of them remade Buffett’s “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season” in 2018 for Chesney’s Song for the Saints album. Proceeds from the album were donated to help with relief efforts following Hurricane Irma.

The two singers also got together to sing “Margaritaville” in Nashville in 2021.

See Kenny Chesney’s Tribute To Jimmy Buffett After His Death

The news of Buffett’s death hit Chesney hard. He shared a tribute to him on social media, writing:

“So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.”

Chesney shared a video of himself on the beach in Key West, one of Buffett’s favorite places. With his acoustic guitar in hand, Chesney sang Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” which was first released in 1974.

He also shared a clip from their “Margaritaville” collaboration in 2021. Watch those videos in Chesney’s tribute below.

Our hearts break for Chesney and all who loved Buffett. He will be missed.

Jimmy Buffett was devoted to philanthropy. He founded two charitable organizations, Singing for Change and Save the Manatee Club. He also had a company called Last Mango Boatworks that sells apparel and accessories. Items sold from Last Mango benefit Singing for Change and Freedom Fighter Outdoors. Learn more about Jimmy’s philanthropic efforts or donate to one of the above-mentioned organizations here.