Obituary: Jimmy Buffett had rare form of skin cancer

Singer Jimmy Buffett had been fighting a rare type of skin cancer before his death, according to an updated obituary published Sunday on his website.

Merkel skin cell cancer, also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a cancer of the Merkel cells at the base of a person’s skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Buffett, who was 76, died Friday at his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y., on Long Island, the obituary said.

The “Margaritaville” songwriter’s last performance came July 3 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he made a surprise appearance at a concert by his longtime friend and Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally.

"It's great to see an audience,” a visibly gaunt Buffett told the crowd, adding that he had not been out of his house in months.

Merkel skin cell cancer “is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head or neck," the Mayo Clinic said. The cancer most often affects older people, the clinic said, and is much more likely to affect people with light-colored skin, the clinic said.

The cancer tends to spread quickly from the skin to other parts of the body, the clinic said.

Risk factors in addition to skin color and age include exposure to the sun and a weakened immune system. “If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, growing rapidly, or bleeding easily after minor trauma, such as washing your skin or shaving, make an appointment with your doctor,” the clinic said.

In addition to “Margaritaville,” Buffett’s recordings included other songs he wrote focused on a casual island lifestyle — including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Volcano," and “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” — and “Fins,” which he co-wrote. His portfolio also included “Come Monday.”

Buffett was among several recording artists with homes in Palm Beach, including Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart. With a fortune estimated at $1 billion, Mr. Buffett this year joined Forbes' list of the world’s billionaires, which was released in April.

Buffett’s updated obituary also gave an expanded list of survivors.

“Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane (Slagsvol) Buffett, his daughters Savannah Jane (Joshua) and Sarah Delaney, his son Cameron Marley (Lara), his grandson Marley Ray and devoted pack of dogs Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody. Also survived by his Montana sister, Laurie Buffett McGuane (Tom), their children Heather Hume, Anne Buffett McGuane, Maggie McGuane and Thomas McGuane IV; his Alabama sister, Lucy Buffett and daughters Mara Delaney Buffett O’Dwyer and Melanie Leigh Buffett; and many more wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

“In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or MD Anderson Cancer Center,” the obituary said.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Jimmy Buffett suffered from Merkel skin cell cancer