Country Music Stars Honor Late Jimmy Buffet at the 2023 CMA Awards

Country music icons Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, and Mac McAnally, a member of Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, performed a memorable medley of Buffett's hits "A Pirate Looks at Forty" and "Margaritaville" as a tribute to the late "Margaritaville" singer who passed away at 76 from Merkel cell carcinoma in September.

Although primarily known for his 'tropical rock' style, Jimmy Buffett had a special connection with country music, collaborating with several country artists throughout his career, including Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Zac Brown Band, all of whom performed in tribute to him at the CMA Awards.
Buffett's hits 'A Pirate Looks at Forty' and 'Margaritaville' were the centerpieces of the tribute performance.
Memorable moments during the tribute included Mac McAnally changing the lyrics to 'A Pirate Looks at Forty' to say 'Jimmy made a whole world full of friends', and the entire audience chanting 'Salt! Salt! Salt!' during 'Margaritaville'.
In addition to his music, Buffett was also remembered for his influence beyond the charts, including his thriving business empire of restaurants, casinos, books, and more, which embodied his 'island escapist' lifestyle.
Despite his passing, Buffett's music legacy continues with the recent posthumous release of his album 'Equal Strain on All Parts' and through the love and remembrance of his many fans, affectionately known as 'Parrotheads'.