Jimmy Buffett’s daughter, Sarah “Delaney” Buffett, shared an emotional tribute to her father on her Instagram page, sharing details about Buffett’s positive spirit in his final days. “I knew my dad my whole life but in his final days, I saw who he was: a man whose spirit could not be broken,” Delaney began in her post. The legendary singer passed suddenly on September 1st after battling Merkel Cell Skin Cancer over the past four years. “Despite the pain, he smiled everyday. He was kind when he had every excuse not to be. He told us not to be sad or scared, but to keep the party going. And as much as I’d like to use that as an excuse to drink myself into oblivion worthy of his literary heroes, I know it’s not what he meant,” said Delaney. “My dad was the joy he sang about. He was the hardest working person I’ve ever seen. He was a great man and an even better dad to my brother, sister and me. He was generous with his friends and strangers alike. He had a deep admiration for the people he worked with, and he never took himself too seriously, which is probably what I loved most about him.”
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Buffett’s daughter continued in her post, detailing how her father never forgot to express gratitude to the healthcare workers who took care of him leading up to his death. “My dad repeatedly told us how much he appreciated the doctors, nurses, and every person who was there for him during his battle with cancer. So to those who took care of my dad at home and in the hospital, I want to thank you for giving us more time together. I am eternally grateful.” Delaney ended her post by saying, “And finally, to my dad, thank you,” she concluded. “You turned nothing into something and gave me everything. I will never be able to repay you or my mom for my beautiful life. I will love you forever, and I will always keep the party going (responsibly, of course).”
Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Slagsvol, and their three children: Savannah, Delaney, and Cameron.