Bob Marley died from acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that initially appeared as a dark spot under his big toenail, which he first mistook for a soccer injury. He was diagnosed with this melanoma in 1977. Although doctors recommended amputating the toe to prevent the cancer from spreading, Marley opted for a less radical treatment by removing the nail and some affected tissue

. The melanoma eventually spread to his lungs and brain, leading to his health deteriorating over several years. In 1981, after alternative treatments in Europe failed, Marley attempted to fly back to Jamaica to spend his final days at home. However, his condition worsened mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Miami, where he was hospitalized. He died on May 11, 1981, at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital (now University of Miami Hospital) at the age of 36

. Despite his death occurring in Miami, Marley was given a state funeral in Jamaica and buried near his birthplace. His death was a significant loss to music and culture worldwide