Thousands Parade Through Key West To Honor Jimmy Buffett
(Left) Rob O'Neal and Jason Hoegle via The Florida Keys & Key West / Facebook / (Right) Bruce Glikas / Contributor / Getty Images
Jimmy Buffett Honored With Parade In Key West Following His Death On September 1 At The Age Of 76
The world is mourning the death of Jimmy Buffett, who passed away on September 1 at the age of 76. A statement released on his official social media pages confirmed the news of his death.
“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.”
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Buffett was honored through a number of tributes after his death. His friends in the music industry spoke about how much of an influence he had on their lives.
One of the most touching tributes came from Kenny Chesney. He delivered an acoustic performance of Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty” from the beach in Key West, Florida…a place with a strong connection to Buffett.
Buffett’s Connection To Key West Goes Back To The 1970s
Buffett attempted to start his music career in Nashville, Tennessee in 1970. But things didn’t take off for him there, and his first marriage to Margie Washichek was going downhill.
The Washington Post describes how Buffett eventually ended up in Florida. At the urging of country singer Jerry Jeff Walker, he moved to Miami’s Coconut Grove in 1971.
But Key West is the place where Buffett found his footing. He moved to the island in 1972, and the rest is history.
Buffett eventually met his second wife, Jane, while in Key West. They were married for 46 years and had three children.
The singer took inspiration from Key West, and poured that inspiration into his music. While Buffett eventually moved around and lived elsewhere, the island was forever home to him and his songs.
Today, you can stroll around Key West and likely hear Buffett’s music playing from many of the stores and restaurants that welcome sun-seeking tourists from around the world.
Key West Residents Honor Jimmy Buffett With Parade & Show Up In Droves
On Sunday (September 2), thousands of people marched in a parade on Key West’s Duval Street to honor Buffett. A post on The Florida Keys & Key West Facebook page says the march “featured strolling musicians, people carrying large photos of Buffett, and the camaraderie found at his typically sold-out concerts.”
Pictures from the parade show Duval Street packed with people wearing Hawaiian shirts and other brightly colored clothes. People toward the front of the crowd marched with a pink banner that read, “Key West Remembers Jimmy Buffett.“
Buffett’s own Facebook page later shared the post, including a series of emojis in their caption. Check it out below. What an awesome way to honor the impact Buffett had on Key West…
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.
