“You have made our lives better in thousands of ways,” Jane Slagsvol, the singer-songwriter’s wife of 45 years, said on Saturday
Jimmy Buffett and Jane Slagsvol attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party ” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iCRRxBklreTsqoL19.E.TQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY3Mg–/https:/ /media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/ed16926934f4e5d7087b6ab9d3a254fa” class=”caas-img”/>
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Jimmy Buffett and Jane Slagsvol attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Jimmy Buffett is celebrated by his wife Jane Slagsvol.
The singer-songwriter’s 45-year-old wife shared a moving tribute on Saturday, following his death on September 1 at the age of 76.
“As Jimmy said a few months ago, ‘Growing old is not for sissies,’” Slagsvol wrote on Buffett’s website and on social media alongside a photo of the couple together. “The last few years have been incredibly challenging for Jimmy and I, and we’re certainly no wimps.”
Related: Jimmy Buffett, ‘Margaritaville’ Singer, Dies at 76
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Jimmybuffett.com
Jimmy Buffett wife Jane Slagsvol
“One thing we both knew and experienced, in every difficult moment, was the feeling of being supported by all the people in our lives,” she added. “Everywhere we went, in arenas, at events and even in hospitals, we were surrounded by love. There is a whole world of people I want to thank for the incredible kindness you showed us.”
“Since those early days and through the decades, Jimmy’s fans have become one big, loud family,” she continued. “Thank you for creating the world’s most joyful community. The smile Jimmy beamed at you from the stage was fueled by your spirit. I think that’s why he loved performing so much. He was the community you built around him so satisfying.”
Slagsvol then thanked Buffett’s medical team for their “compassion” during his treatment for Merkel skin cancer, noting that they “gave him hope even in the most hopeless moments” as they treated him “at every stage of his disease” .
Related: Jimmy Buffett Survived At Least Three Near-Death Experiences Before His Death At 76: ‘Got To Get Back Up’
She also thanked his colleagues, noting that they were “the best, most honorable and most generous people, and we know how fortunate we have been all these years.”
“You have made our lives better every day in thousands of ways, big and small,” she wrote, adding that “this has been especially true in recent years” and “deeply comforting to know that I can rely on your loyalty, your sincerity. , and your respect. You earned ours in return.”
Slagsvol thanked her “wonderful friends” and wrote that they “increased the meaning and depth of friendship”, adding: “Jimmy became happier telling you stories over long dinners while the crickets sang” and “loved taking his place at to take the head of the table, looking at the people he cherished. You created a microclimate of affection that surrounded us like the sun. It gave us hope; it felt like a celebration even when things were bleak. It’s a balm for me now.’
Related: The Eagles Perform 2-Song Jimmy Buffett Tribute at Madison Square Garden
Jimmy Buffett, Jane Slagsvol and daughter Sarah Buffett” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GCfnqWi1DjEaEwNRmdIl8w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcyMA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en /people_218/2ad22ede90af4c6e60b2a909f2f4cf0c” class=”caas-img”/>
Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan/Getty
Jimmy Buffett, Jane Slagsvol and daughter Sarah Buffett
“Jimmy was love,” she continued. “Every cell in his body was filled with joy. He smiled all the time, even when he was seriously ill. And his sense of humor never wavered. Jimmy was always the optimist, always sparkling and always making us laugh. To my family. I can’t express what you mean to me and Jimmy. I cherish you, I love you, and I am unfathomably grateful for you every day. You are my heart.”
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“One of the last songs Jimmy recorded was ‘Bubbles Up’,” Slagsvol concluded. “He sings, ‘Just know that you are loved, there is light above and the joy is always enough. Bubbles up.’ Jimmy knew he was loved. He searched for the light until the end. Thank you for bringing him and me joy.”
Related: Remembering Jimmy Buffett’s life in photos
Jimmy buffett at the broadway premiere of "Escape to Margaritaville"” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sZ8vFaea6udJcv6Q8ILT7Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/1e87628d3ef1016766c2ee 3cc0362cd4″ class=”caas -img”/>
Noam Galai/Getty for Escape to Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffett at the Broadway Premiere of ‘Escape to Margaritaville’
After Buffett died of Merkel skin cancer on September 1, several stars paid tribute, including Andy Cohen, Elton John and many others.
“He was everyone’s friend, and Paradise was wherever he was. Rest in peace, dear Jimmy. ❤️☀️🌊 🦜 🍔,” Cohen, 55, wrote on Instagram about his friend, who previously appeared on his Bravo show Watch what’s happening live.
On his Instagram Story, John, 76, remembered Buffett as a “unique and esteemed” musician.
“His fans loved him and he never let them down,” the “Your Song” singer added. ‘This is the saddest news. A sweet man gone far too soon. Condolences to Jane and David and I’s family.’
Buffett is survived by wife Jane and children Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.
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