The cause of death of legendary singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett has been revealed. Buffett died Sept. 1 at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island at the age of 76; a statement posted on his social media platforms read: “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.  He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

According to an official obituary for the star posted to his website, Buffett had been “fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years”. The obituary noted that Buffett “continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin, and that “sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma.”

Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Slagsvol, and his three children: Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.

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