Jimmy Buffett Passes Away Following Four-Year Battle with Rare Skin Cancer, Website Reports

Jimmy Buffett, the renowned singer-songwriter known for his sun-drenched songs about living life by the shore, has passed away after a four-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, according to a statement on his website.

The statement revealed that Buffett, who was 76 years old, had Merkel cell cancer. It also disclosed that he passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, near the Hamptons. Despite his health struggles, Buffett continued to perform, with his last surprise appearance taking place in Rhode Island in early July.

Merkel cell carcinoma, as it is known medically, is an extremely rare form of cancer that tends to spread rapidly, including to other parts of the body beyond the skin. Risk factors for this cancer include excessive sun exposure, a weakened immune system, a history of other cancers, and being over 50 with light skin.