Novelist Carl Hiassen remembered his longtime friend, singer Jimmy Buffett, following his death Friday.
In an exclusive interview with People, Hiassen, 70, said Buffett was still very active despite doctors’ order to “take it easy” following his Merkle cell skin cancer diagnosis four years ago. Hiassen reminisced about their Bahamas trip in October 2022.
“He was fishing when a large lemon shark was heading for him. He had a drone up because he wanted a video of this experience,” he said.
Hiassen added, “He was so excited because he wanted to put it on stage while he was performing during his next tour when he performed his song ‘Fins.’”
Despite the shark being “really close” Hiassen said Buffett “was so excited.”
“He was planning for where this video would go in his show. There was no way to slow him down!” he continued.
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When describing Buffett, Hiassen said he was “invincible” and “larger than life.”
According to his obituary, the “Margaritaville” singer died after battling the rare, aggressive cancer. He was 76 years old.
That same day, Hiassen posted a tribute to his “close friend of 40 years” on his Instagram page.
“Nobody had more pure fun in life, or worked harder to share it with others. He lived true to his songs, and he was writing with joy until the end, tweaking the final cuts on a new album,” he wrote in the caption.
He continued:
“Jimmy had one gear: moving at the speed of light, even in flip-flops. He was, literally and exuberantly, all over the map. Richly talented, wonderfully generous, and wildly passionate about the places he cherished – peaceful islands and harbors where he transported everyone who loved his music.”
“I’ll miss you, JB. Millions will. Thanks for the laughs, the adventures, and the unforgettable sound track,” Hiassen concluded.