President Joe Biden issued a statement following the death of American music icon Jimmy Buffett praising him and celebrating his accomplishments.
Buffett passed away on Friday and the White House issued a statement just hours later.
A statement from Buffett's family explained that he passed "peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.”
Buffett was a beloved icon and his passing both shocked and saddened generations of Americans that grew up listening to his music.
Biden's statement read, "A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffet 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."
The President's statement reflects the thoughts of many who both knew Buffett through his music or personally.
However, the singer who wrote "Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere," wasn't just a musician.
Buffett turned his music and the feelings it invoked in people into an extremely profitable business.
Buffet's business, Margarita Holdings LLC, controlled resorts, restaurants, casinos, cruises and even sold merchandise. The business was so successful that Buffett found himself on the Forbes billionaires list last year.
Buffett even delved into writing with three bestselling books, "Tales From Margaritaville," and "A Salty Piece of Land" as well as "Where is Joe Merchant."
By all accounts, Buffett was one of the most prolific and dynamic Americans of the late 20th and early 21st century. It's very rare to find someone with such a broad array of talents.
While this information was initially withheld, on Sunday, Buffett's family confirmed that he had been battling Merkel cell skin cancer for four years.
Buffett fought back nearly to the end. His obituary stated that Buffett "continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July."
Buffett will be missed but Americans should take this time to celebrate an incredible life well lived and carry on the spirit that Buffett loved to spread.
