Legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died after a four-year battle with a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer, according to a statement on his website.
The statement said Buffett, 76, battled Merkel cell cancer for four years before passing away last Friday at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, near the Hamptons.
Buffett continued to perform during his treatment and played his last show in early July with a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, according to the statement.
News of the \u201cMargaritaville\u201d singer\u2019s death emerged Saturday, though a cause of death was not initially revealed. In May, Buffett rescheduled multiple concerts due to illness, and previously acknowledged on social media he was hospitalized without providing specific details.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a \u201cvery rare \u201c disease involving malignant cancer cells that form in the skin and spread quickly to other parts of the body including an individuals\u2019 lymph nodes, lungs, the brain or bones, according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors include sun exposure, a weak immune system, a history with other cancers, and being older than 50 years.
While best known for his beach-inspired, easygoing music, including hits like \u201cCheeseburger in Paradise,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s Five O\u2019Clock Somewhere,\u201d and \u201cMargaritaville,\u201d Buffett also had several entrepreneurial ventures, turning Margaritaville into a brand that featured restaurants, retirement communities, clothing, and casinos.
He also wrote multiple best-selling fiction and non-fiction books, according to the statement.
Buffett leaves behind his wife Jane Slagsvol and three children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n