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 during treatment until his health declined in the final weeks

. Merkel cell carcinoma is much less common than other skin cancers like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, but it tends to spread quickly and has a high recurrence rate. It often appears as a small red or purple bump under the skin and is diagnosed by biopsy. Risk factors include extensive sun exposure, older age, and immune suppression