Toby Keith, Hoda Kotb and more stars are mourning Jimmy Buffett after the iconic “Margaritaville” singer died on Friday, September 1, at age 76.
“The pirate has passed,” Keith, 62, wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday, September 2. “RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us.”
Kotb, 59, added that she felt Buffett “personified joy” and “embodied goodness.” The Today cohost also recalled introducing her mother to Buffett. “I remember the time he met my mom at jazzfest and showered her with love … like he knew her his whole life,” she wrote via X. “Bet he did that millions of times to millions of people.”
Buffett’s team announced his death on Saturday via Instagram, noting that the legendary musician “passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.”
Scroll down to see more tributes to Buffet:
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Sheryl Crow
“Just saw @jimmybuffett recently while recording with @EmmylouSongbird and @DollyParton. He was as he always was … a bright light!” Crow captioned a photo of the quartet via X. “With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean! ❤️.”
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Paul McCartney
The singer penned a long tribute to Buffett via X on Saturday, recalling the late star’s generosity and kind nature. “Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it,'” McCartney wrote, in part. “So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole.”
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Pitbull
“Jimmy, you lived life and didn’t let life live you. A true pioneer and trailblazer. Thank God for @jimmybuffett and when life gives you limes, make margaritas. Rest in paradise,” Pitbull captioned a video of himself joining Buffett for a “Margaritaville” performance via Instagram.
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Kate Hudson
“Aw man. So sad to see Jimmy Buffet has passed. Sending huge love to Buffett family. Thank you for bringing such light to people JB! Goodnight legend,” Hudson wrote via Instagram Story.
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Amy Schumer
“He could change your whole perspective on life with one smile. I’m glad he smiled at me,” Schumer captioned a photo of herself chatting with Buffett.
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Toby Keith
“The pirate has passed. RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us,” Keith wrote.
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Hoda Kotb
“Oh no. This man personified joy. Embodied goodness. Always smiling,” Kotb shared. “I remember the time he met my mom at jazzfest and showered her with love … like he knew her his whole life. Bet he did that millions of times to millions of people. RIP @jimmybuffett.”
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Jake Owen
The country star called Buffett his “musical hero and an embodiment of the kind of person you strive to be outside of music” in a lengthy tribute via Instagram.
“I’ll miss him dearly, but I’ll also remember that we all have our moment when we’re called home,” Owen added. “It’s the legacy we leave behind and the kind of person we are that truly matter. Jimmy is the kind of person I aspire to be — leaving behind smiles and a few footprints in the sand. Rest in peace, my friend. Fins up.”
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Andy Cohen
“Jimmy Buffett, the king of cool,” Cohen wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “He lived life in a happy groove, emanating positivity, joy and kindness. He was everybody’s friend, and Paradise was wherever he was. Rest in Peace sweet Jimmy. ❤️☀️🌊 🦜 🍔.”
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Bill Clinton
“Jimmy Buffett’s music brought happiness to millions of people,” the 42nd President of the United States said in a statement on Saturday. “I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years, including at the White House in 2000. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and legion of devoted fans.”
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Joe Biden
“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,” the President wrote. “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.”
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Donnie Wahlberg
“There is a popular audio used for IG reels — ‘when you think you’re the coolest guy in the parking lot, and then this guy shows up.’ Jimmy Buffett was that guy!” Wahlberg wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “The coolest, and one of the absolute nicest, guys I ever knew. I was so looking forward to seeing you, and working with you, again Jimmy. Now, I’ll look forward to catching a most heavenly sunset with you some day, instead. My eternal respect and gratitude to you, my friend. 🙏🏼❤️🕊️💫.”
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Miles Teller
The Top Gun: Maverick actor shared a photo of himself with the musician via X, adding the lyrics: “Where it all ends, I can’t fathom, my friends. If I knew I might drop my anchor.”
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Ric Flair
“So Saddened To Hear About The Loss Of My Great Friend Jimmy Buffett! 30 Years Of Friendship!” Flair wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “He Was An Amazing Entertainer Who Made The World A Better Place! Thank You Jimmy! Rest In Peace!”
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