Country Legends Pay Tribute to the Late Jimmy Buffett at the 2023 CMA Awards
Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally and Zac Brown Band come together in a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Jimmy Buffett at the 2023 CMA Awards A touching homage that celebrates the iconic influence of Buffett's music
Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett , Alan Jackson. Getty Images (3)
The 2023 CMA Awards paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett by taking fans on a journey to Margaritaville. During the show on November 8th, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, and Zac Brown Band united to honor the beloved musician.
Chesney, aged 55, and McAnally, aged 66, commenced the tribute by delivering a heartfelt rendition of "A Pirate Looks at Forty." At a certain moment, Chesney altered the lyrics to sing, "Jimmy made a plethora of friends," and as the song concluded, he gestured towards the sky, expressing, "Thank you, Jimmy."
Following them, Zac Brown and Jackson, aged 65, took the spotlight. Brown, aged 45, sang, "Farewell my comrade," prior to being joined by Jackson in performing Buffett's most renowned track, "Margaritaville." As they passionately sang the lyrics, images portraying Buffett's life on stage and with his musical comrades were displayed in the background.
Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and other country musicians joined together in the audience, singing along to the track. The chorus resonated throughout the crowd as they collectively shouted, "Salt! Salt! Salt!" The heartwarming and impactful tribute came to an end, leaving Bridgestone Arena on their feet.
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Prior to stepping on stage, McAnnally, a member of Buffett's The Coral Reefer Band, expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of the CMA Awards tribute.
"Well, it fills every fiber of my being with joy. I've stood side by side with him for over forty years, working on records since 1980 and touring together for the past 35 years," he shared during an On the Red Carpet interview on Wednesday. "We just completed his latest album, unaware it would be his last. But Kenny, Alan, Zac and the rest of us are all privileged to know him and to have the opportunity to pay tribute to him. Tonight, he'll be watching us from above with a smile on his face."
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At the age of 76, Buffett passed away on September 1 with his loved ones, close friends, favorite tunes, and beloved dogs by his side. A statement released on his Instagram account confirmed his departure. The talented singer behind the hit track "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" will be greatly missed.
Two days later, it was revealed that Buffett had succumbed to Merkel cell skin cancer after a four-year battle. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare form of skin cancer characterized by uncontrollable cell growth and the potential for rapid spread to other areas of the body, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Following his death, celebrities paid tribute to Buffett on social media platforms with heartfelt messages. Chesney was one of the initial stars to share his thoughts, using Instagram to write, "Farewell Jimmy. I will forever cherish our friendship and the songs that will live on in my heart. Sail On Sailor."
Chesney, who had performed alongside Buffett on numerous occasions throughout the years, posted a video of himself playing the guitar and singing “A Pirate Looks At Forty” as a tribute to the late singer.
It took McAnally a couple of weeks to find the right words for his public tribute. In that same month, he took to Instagram and expressed, "The person I considered to be the closest thing to a big brother left this world on Sept. 1. I can't quite find the perfect words to explain what an incredible honor it has been to have the privilege of being mentored by someone overflowing with positivity for the past forty-some years."
Jackson, on the other hand, has been facing personal health challenges of his own. In September 2021, the renowned singer of "Livin' on Love" publicly revealed his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a condition he had silently fought against for over ten years.
In an interview on the Today show, Jackson candidly explained, "I have this neuropathy and neurological disease. It's a genetic condition that I inherited from my father. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for it, and its impact on my well-being has become increasingly evident over the years."
Jackson showed no signs of illness as he took the stage on Wednesday, and even paid tribute to Buffett upon his passing. In September, he shared a photo with Buffett and quoted a line from their 2004 hit song, "Boats to Build." Alongside the photo, he wrote, "Shores distant shores / There’s where I’m headed for / I got the stars to guide my way / Sail into the light of day." He also added, "RIP my friend, @jimmybuffett."
In a similar vein, Zac Brown Band honored Buffett in September by sharing the music video for their 2010 song, "Knee Deep." The band, led by Brown, wrote, "Hope you’re knee deep in the water somewhere in paradise today, @jimmybuffett. We were honored to know you and to make music with you. Fins up. #kneedeep #finsup #jimmybuffett."
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