President Joe Biden Pays Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, an ‘American Music Icon’ and ‘Poet of Paradise’

The White House issued a statement from President Joe Biden on the passing of Jimmy Buffett.

“A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another,” says the note published on Saturday (Sept. 2). “His witty, wistful songs celebrate a uniquely American cast of characters and seaside folkways, weaving together an unforgettable musical mix of country, folk, rock, pop, and calypso into something uniquely his own.”

The “Margaritaville” singer-songwriter died at age 76 on Sept. 1. The news of Buffett’s death was confirmed on his website and social media accounts. He was “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.” No cause of death was given.

Biden, who was among many public figures to remember Buffett on Saturday, recalled, “We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together.”

The tribute continued: “Over more than 50 studio and live albums and thousands of performances to devoted Parrot Heads around the world, Jimmy reminded us how much the simple things in life matter – the people we love, the places we’re from, the hopes we have on the horizon. A two-time Grammy nominee and winner of multiple country music awards, he was also a best-selling writer, businessman, pilot, and conservationist who championed the waters and Gulf Coast that he so loved.”

Buffett had 13 Billboard Hot 100 charting singles, including seven top 40 hits and one top 10, as well as 40 entries on the Billboard 200 albums chart throughout his career.

“Jill and I send our love to his wife of 46 years, Jane; to their children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron; to their grandchildren; and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores,” said Biden.