Buffett dies at 76

"Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of Sept. 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," said a statement on his website.

While no cause of death as given, TMZ reported that he died of lymphoma t his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y.

The Mississippi native had his breakthrough with "Margaritaville, a top five country hit, which also was top 10 on the pop charts. The song became an anthem for him and helped him develop a brand around the name and song.

Buffett was a heavy duty tourer, who had fans known as "Parrotheads" show up to his concerts wearing parrot outfits, fins and various other tropical items.

He was introduced to country fans with number one duets with Alan Jackson in 2003 ("It's Five O'Clock Somewhere") and Zac Brown Band in 2011 ("Knee Deep").

Buffett also released the country album "License to Chill" in 2004. Buffett recorded duets with contemporary country music artists including "Hey, Good Lookin'" by Hank Williams. The song, with Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait, reached number eight on the Billboard country singles charts. Another single, "Trip Around the Sun" (a duet with Martina McBride) reached 20.