Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Jimmy Buffett

President Joe Biden Mourns the Passing of Jimmy Buffett

President Joe Biden issued a statement on Saturday morning mourning the passing of Jimmy Buffett, the legendary singer-songwriter and cultural icon. Buffett died on Friday at the age of 76.

"Jimmy Buffett was a poet of paradise," Biden said in his statement. "He had the remarkable ability to encourage us all to step back, find joy in life, and connect with one another through his witty and wistful songs."

Biden praised Buffett's music for celebrating a rich cast of American characters and the enduring spirit of seaside life. He also noted that Buffett was just as full of goodwill and joy in real life as he was on stage.

"He used his musical gift to unite people, bridging gaps and fostering unity among diverse communities," Biden said. "He will be deeply missed by his fans and friends around the world."

Buffett was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 1946. He began his musical career in the early 1970s, and quickly became one of the most popular singer-songwriters in the country. His songs, such as "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," became anthems for beach-loving vacationers and laid-back lifestyle enthusiasts.

In addition to his music career, Buffett was also a successful businessman. He founded the Margaritaville restaurant chain and the Margaritaville Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. He also wrote several books, including the best-selling "A Pirate Looks at Fifty."

Buffett was a beloved figure in American culture. He was known for his easygoing charm and his love of life. He was also a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to environmental causes.

His death was met with sadness and mourning by fans and friends around the world. President Biden's statement was just one of many tributes that were paid to Buffett in the wake of his passing.

"Jimmy Buffett was a true American original," Biden said. "He will be remembered for his music, his wit, and his generous spirit. He will be deeply missed."

In addition to his statement, President Biden also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and all federal buildings in Buffett's honor.

Buffett's legacy will live on for generations to come. His music will continue to inspire people to find joy in life and to connect with one another. He was a true American icon, and his passing is a loss for all of us.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.