I hadn’t even opened my eyes this morning when Ed yelled up the stairs: “Jimmy Buffett died.” I picked up my phone from the floor and there was a text from my brother, from my mother, and from my sister. We went back and forth recalling favorite songs and even a concert. Days of youth in a world so different than today.
I put down the phone.
In disbelief I stared at the wall thinking “Not Jimmy Buffett!” A tear formed in my eye as a flood of memories rose to the surface, especially about my late father.
Middle and high school, days working as a receptionist at his law firm over summer, driving in with him dressed in tie and suit fulfilling the sometimes thankless job of father and provider. We’d get in the car and I just hoped he’d play Jimmy Buffett. It would make us sing. It would make us laugh. It would make us forget. It would make us remember. It bound us as father and daughter and as Floridians.
I’m sure you have a lot of memories connected to Jimmy Buffett too.
Once I saw Jimmy Buffett live, not singing, but giving advice…
Today I repost a blog post from May 15, 2015. It was Ed’s niece Darcy’s University of Miami graduation day. The commencement speaker? None other than Dr. Jimmy Buffett. I hope you’ll enjoy rereading this post as much as I did and the speech at the end? Just like his music, it will make you want to sing along…
Rest in Peace Jimmy, and thank you.
Please click on link below to hear-
JIMMY BUFFETT’S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Thank you for that.. and I can just picture Tom playing Jimmy Buffett on the car radio for you kids! – Henry
Henry thanks so much. Tom treasured your friendship and connection very much. These are the most important things in this life. Jimmy Buffett certainly made our lives better!
Sad day for sure. Listening to Jimmy as I write this. He had a great life and no better way to celebrate it than having a beverage of your choice and playing his music!
I agree and have been honoring him with my favorite beverage for two days. Hope you are too. LOVE.
I can’t believe it either Jacqui. Jimmy Buffet was an inspiration to all of us native Floridians for many years. He will be truly missed. James Rouse.
Oh James! It is just such a loss! He is such an inspiration and will continue to be!
Terrific tribute to Jimmy. I love the Dr. Buffett speech at University of Miami commencement. Moderation – in all things! 😎
I love that saying! I think it means after 40! Thank you Bob!!!!!
This was so awesome! In every way. To hear his voice and your laughter along with your amazing way of telling a story. Brought a tear to my eye. Thank you.
Julia! My dear friend! You are so special to me! Thanks for this dear message!
As you are to me. So special. I love knowing you. Your writing resonates with so many as did Jimmy Buffett’s beautiful music 💕
That was such a great post. Thanks for it! I loved the speech.
Tess thank you so much. This means a lot to me. I was wary of writing about my dad as it is still so fresh after more than a year. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing Jacqui. 💚☘️
Love you Mike!!! Solidarity and Jimmy!
I am from Miami 1958. No one can understand Jimmy Buffett, but thank you for talking to those of us whose lives incorporated his music, even if we never became Parrotheads. But I guess You Had To Be There. Thank you, Jacqui, for all that you do.