Early Life and Education of Jimmy Buffett: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jimmy Buffett. A timeline of key moments.

Jimmy Buffett was an American singer-songwriter, author, and businessman celebrated for his "island escapism" lifestyle and tropical rock sound. He is best known for songs like "Margaritaville," "Come Monday," and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," establishing himself as a prominent figure in popular music. Buffett created the Coral Reefer Band in 1975, further solidifying his musical career. Beyond music, Buffett was an accomplished author and entrepreneur, building a brand synonymous with leisure and tropical themes.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1967: Attendance at first New Orleans Saints game

In 1967, Jimmy Buffett attended the first game of the New Orleans Saints at Tulane Stadium.

1969: Marriage to Margie Washichek

In 1969, Jimmy Buffett married Margie Washichek.

1972: Divorce from Margie Washichek

In 1972, Jimmy Buffett and Margie Washichek divorced.

1977: Marriage to Jane Slagsvol

In 1977, Jimmy Buffett married Jane Slagsvol in Aspen, Colorado.

1979: Birth of daughter Savannah Buffett

In 1979, Jimmy Buffett's daughter, radio personality Savannah Buffett, was born.

1991: Reconciliation with Jane Buffett

In 1991, Jimmy and Jane Buffett reconciled after a split in the early 1980s.

1992: Performance for Bill Clinton's presidential campaign

In 1992, Jimmy Buffett sang in Florida for the Bill Clinton presidential campaign.

1992: Birth of daughter Sarah Delaney

In 1992, Jimmy Buffett's daughter, filmmaker Sarah Delaney, was born.

August 25, 1994: Plane crash off Nantucket

On August 25, 1994, Jimmy Buffett crashed his Grumman G-44 Widgeon into the waters off Nantucket, Massachusetts, while attempting to take off. He sustained only minor injuries.

1994: Adoption of son Cameron Marley

In 1994, Jimmy Buffett adopted his son, Cameron Marley.

1994: Purchase of Palm Beach house

In 1994, Jimmy Buffett bought a house in Palm Beach, Florida, for $4.4 million.

September 1998: Sale of Key West properties

In September 1998, Jimmy Buffett sold his properties in Key West for $900,000.

August 2000: Performance at the White House

In August 2000, Jimmy Buffett sang for Bill Clinton at the White House.

February 4, 2001: Ejection from Miami Heat game

On February 4, 2001, Jimmy Buffett was ejected from the American Airlines Arena in Miami during a basketball game between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks for cursing.

2002: Purchase of Palm Beach property

In 2002, Jimmy Buffett purchased a 2-unit property in Palm Beach, Florida, for $802,000.

October 6, 2006: Detention by French customs officials

On October 6, 2006, Jimmy Buffett was detained by French customs officials in Saint Tropez for allegedly carrying over 100 pills of ecstasy, later identified as Foltx, a B-vitamin supplement.

2008: Fundraiser for Barack Obama

In 2008, Jimmy Buffett hosted a fundraiser for Barack Obama.

2010: Sale of Palm Beach house to Jon Stryker

In 2010, Jimmy Buffett sold his house in Palm Beach, Florida, to Jon Stryker for $18.5 million.

January 26, 2011: Fall off stage in Sydney

On January 26, 2011, Jimmy Buffett fell off the stage at a performance in Sydney, Australia, and lost consciousness, but was treated at the scene by a trauma surgeon.

2011: Purchase of Palm Beach house

In 2011, Jimmy Buffett paid $4.95 million for a 4,783-square-foot house in Palm Beach, which he later sold in 2020.

April 1, 2012: Sean Payton as honorary Coral Reefer Band member

On April 1, 2012, Jimmy Buffett had Saints head coach Sean Payton serve as an honorary member of the Coral Reefer Band at a concert in New Orleans in protest of Payton's suspension by the NFL.

2012: Return to Australia after stage fall

In 2012, Jimmy Buffett returned to Australia for two shows in Brisbane and Melbourne, making fun of his stage fall incident from the previous year during the performances.

2013: Purchase of Palm Beach house

In 2013, Jimmy Buffett purchased another house in Palm Beach, with 3,100 square feet, for $1.3 million.

April 2014: Purchase of Beverly Hills house

In April 2014, Jimmy Buffett bought a 4,322 square foot house in Beverly Hills, California for $8.25 million.

2015: Honorary Doctorate and Bridge Naming

In 2015, Jimmy Buffett spoke at the University of Miami's graduation ceremony and received an honorary doctorate in music, and his hometown of Pascagoula, Mississippi named a bridge after him.

2016: Fundraisers for Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Jimmy Buffett hosted several fundraisers for Hillary Clinton.

2017: Dietary and lifestyle changes

By 2017, Jimmy Buffett's diet did not include sugar or carbohydrates, except on Sundays, and he no longer smoked marijuana.

November 2018: Rally for Florida Democratic candidates

In November 2018, Jimmy Buffett hosted a rally for Florida Democratic candidates Andrew Gillum and Bill Nelson in West Palm Beach, Florida, facing backlash from some conservative fans.

2020: Sale of Palm Beach house

In 2020, Jimmy Buffett sold a 4,783-square-foot house in Palm Beach for $6.9 million.

May 2023: Hospitalization and tour rescheduling

In May 2023, Jimmy Buffett was hospitalized to "address some issues that needed immediate attention" and subsequently rescheduled tour dates.

April 2024: Tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl

In April 2024, a tribute concert was held at the Hollywood Bowl in honor of Jimmy Buffett, featuring artists such as Paul McCartney, Eagles, Snoop Dogg, Harrison Ford, and Pitbull.