Jimmy Buffett Has Died: No Artist Meant More to My Family

Jimmy Buffett performing in Rogers, Ark. in 2022. Julian Spivey Photo

by Julian Spivey
I was just about to go to bed. I really wish I had. Wish I could’ve put the bad news off for one more night. 

I just saw that Jimmy Buffett has died. There’s no doubt that his music had a bigger impact on my family overall than any other artist. 

He is my dad’s favorite. I remember hearing the music non-stop. Family car rides to visit family in Georgia and Florida meant hours upon hours of Jimmy Buffett. For a little while I hated listening to Jimmy Buffett. But as soon as I set out on my own I listened to the music and it all of a sudden not only was my dad’s but became my own. 

Those feelings in his songs - and it’s his ballads that speak to me the most - are feelings I know down deep. I feel seen in those songs. I also see my dad in those songs. 

My dad isn’t nearly as emotional as I am - at least not outwardly. I’m not sure I ever really know what’s going in inwardly with him. My emotions come from my mom. I hate that I had to break the news to her via text because it’s after 2 am. It feels too impersonal to break that news about someone who’s like a family member - who’s frankly more important to me and probably my dad than actual family members. I hope the news doesn’t hit him too hard. I'm glad she'll be the one to break it to him. 

It’s going to hit me for days. I’m sure I’ll have much more to say tomorrow and in those coming days. 

For now I’ll leave it with a slightly altered line from my all-time favorite Buffett song: “Come Monday, I hope it’ll be alright.” 

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