Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister Laurie has revealed she was diagnosed with cancer ‘about the same time’ as the Margaritaville singer, who died last week at the age of 76.
Laurie, 74, discovered she had pancreatic cancer during the COVID pandemic and underwent surgery and treatment is now cancer-free.
Meanwhile, the singer battled a rare form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma and his sibling admitted she was ‘thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.’
He was diagnosed with the skin cancer four years ago before the disease progressed to lymphoma – which ultimately his cause of death.
During their health struggles the pair leaned on each other for support and grew closer as a result.
‘When Jimmy found out [I had cancer] he brought the whole family and the dogs to Montana to be with me,’ she told People magazine in a new interview.
‘Jimmy and I became closer because of our cancers. We talked before and after our scans. We shared a club that nobody wants to join,’ she said.
Heartbreak: Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister Laurie has revealed she was diagnosed with cancer ‘about the same time’ as the Margaritaville singer. The siblings are seen here in a snap from her Instagram account
Laurie went on to speak about how she was particularly proud of her brother’s achievements during his incredible career.
‘Jimmy always had a dream that he pursued until the end. He did a lot of things in between, but hit Key West when he was pretty unknown, and never gave up, up until crowds began coming to listen to him perform,’ she stated.
The songwriter’s sibling concluded by stating that her older brother ‘was a phenomenal person.’
Laurie also shared a trio of photos in remembrance of Buffett on her Instagram account on Saturday, and she was seen while embracing her sibling in one of her shots.
She also included a shot that showed her hands resting on one of her brother’s during his period of treatment.
The songwriter’s sibling wrote a short message in her post’s caption to speak about how she comforted Buffett during his final days.
Laurie recalled: ‘We talked about our childhood where only siblings can relate. I told him I’ve know him longer than anyone on the planet.
She concluded by writing: ‘He smiled with those twinkling blue eyes and squeezed my hand.’
Jimmy had been on hospice for a week before he passed away.
Sir Paul McCartney, 81, reportedly visited the Grammy nominee at his home within the last week to sing to him.
Supportive: During their health struggles the pair leaned on each other for support and grew closer as a result
Devastated: Laurie, 74, discovered she had pancreatic cancer during the COVID pandemic and underwent surgery and treatment is now cancer-free. She is ‘thunderstruck’ that her brother didn’t survive
A statement posted on Jimmy’s social media accounts that announced his death said: ‘Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.
‘He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.’
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Jane Slagsvol, as well as daughter Savannah, daughter Sarah and son Cameron.
A string of stars honoured the musician and businessman with social media tributes.
Country star Kenny Chesney, 55, said on Instagram: ‘So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.’
Sir Elton John, 76, hailed Jimmy as a ‘unique and treasured entertainer’.
The ‘Rocketman’ singer said: ‘Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him and he never let them down.
‘This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon. Condolences to Jane and the family from David (his husband) and me.’
Aaron Neville also took to social media to pay tribute to Jimmy.
The 82-year-old singer, who starred alongside his siblings Art, Charles and Cyril in the Neville Brothers, said on X: ‘Sorry to hear about the great Jimmy Buffet, leaving so young. I know he will be welcomed in the heavenly band. He was friends with Artie, Charlie and my pal Dr John. May he rest in peace.’ Apple CEO Tim Cook, 62, also took to X to pay tribute to the music star.
Referring to the lyrics of Margaritaville, he said: ‘Jimmy Buffet was a great entertainer who helped us hear the music of life. He’ll be sorely missed, and I hope he’s found that lost shaker of salt.