Jimmy Buffett’s Daughter Posts Unreleased Video Of Him Singing At Home 1 Year After His Death

One year after Jimmy Buffett’s passing from Merkel-Cell Carcinoma, his daughter Delaney took to social media to honor her late father by sharing a special video. She described the video as one that “captured his spirit so well.”

Jimmy Buffett, a legendary singer-songwriter, was famous for his unique “island escapism” style, which transcended music genres and made him a beloved figure worldwide. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many well-known artists, including country stars like Alan Jackson on “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” Toby Keith on “Too Drunk To Karaoke,” and Kenny Chesney on “Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season.”

When Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023 at the age of 76, the music world was deeply affected, mourning the loss of an incredible artist. While many celebrated his musical legacy, those close to him knew him as a devoted family man. Buffett had been married to his wife, Jane Slagsvol, for 45 years at the time of his death. The couple first met in Key West, Florida, in 1975, while Jane was there on a spring break trip during her college years. Jimmy had recently moved back to Florida from Nashville, where he had tried his luck in country music. After finding only modest success, Buffett decided to settle in southern Florida and formed his Coral Reefer Band.

Jane and Jimmy shared that they had an instant connection. Jane soon moved to Florida, and the pair married two years later. They went on to have three children together: daughters Savannah and Delaney, and a son named Cameron. Following Jimmy’s death, each of his children paid heartfelt tributes to their father, remembering him not only as a musician but also as a loving parent.

Delaney Buffett wrote a particularly moving letter about her father, describing him as one of the hardest-working men she had ever known. “I knew my dad my whole life, but in his final days, I saw who he was: a man whose spirit could not be broken,” she shared. “Despite the pain, he smiled every day. He was kind when he had every excuse not to be. He told us not to be sad or scared, but to keep the party going.” Delaney reflected on her father’s advice, adding:

“And as much as I’d like to use that as an excuse to drink myself into oblivion worthy of his literary heroes, I know it’s not what he meant. Yes, he loved his weed and his wine, but the truth is, most of the time, he was just high on life, and that is what he wanted for everyone: to enjoy the fantastic trip that life can be.”

A year after his death, Delaney shared another special memory on social media—a moment she shared with her father a few years before he passed. She explained that she had helped him record a series of videos for a docuseries she directed, in which he discussed some of his lesser-known songs. One of her favorite clips, which was not included in the docuseries, featured her asking Jimmy what his favorite song to cover was. Without hesitation, he replied, “It’s a Fred Neil song,” and then began playing and singing Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’.”

Delaney cherished this clip, explaining that it “captures his spirit so well.” She concluded her post by offering a piece of advice:

“It’s been a year, but it feels like yesterday we were together. Life is short. Spend it with the people you love. And keep every voicemail.”