Merkel Cell Most cancers: Signs, causes of pores and skin illness that killed ‘Margaritaville’ singer Jimmy Buffet

SAG HARBOR, New York — Jimmy Buffett, whose sun-drenched songs celebrated life by the shore, died of a uncommon, aggressive pores and skin most cancers, in response to a press release on his web site.

Buffett, 76, had Merkel cell most cancers, in response to the assertion, which was posted after preliminary information of his death emerged Saturday. The assertion additionally disclosed the place the “Margaritaville” singer died: at his residence in Sag Harbor, New York, close to the Hamptons.

He had been combating the most cancers for 4 years whereas persevering with to carry out, the final time making a shock look in Rhode Island in early July, the assertion mentioned.

Merkel cell carcinoma, because it’s recognized in medical literature, may be very uncommon and tends to unfold rapidly, together with to components of the physique past the pores and skin, in response to the federal Nationwide Most cancers Institute and the Mayo Clinic. Threat components embody loads of solar publicity, a weakened immune system, a historical past of different cancers, and being light-skinned and over 50.

Buffett conjured an easygoing, sand-between-the-toes life-style in songs resembling “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Adjustments in Latitudes, Adjustments in Attitudes” and “Margaritaville.” He constructed the latter right into a model that encompassed eating places, clothes, casinos and extra.

AP Information contributed to this report.