Jimmy Buffett died from Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. He had been battling this disease for about four years before his death on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76. Despite his illness, he continued to perform while undergoing treatment until his health declined in the final weeks. Merkel cell carcinoma is less common but more aggressive than other skin cancers, and it is linked to factors such as UV exposure and immune system status