Jimmy Buffett's Sister Diagnosed With Cancer at the Same Time as Him: 'It Made Us Closer'

Jimmy Buffett's younger sister revealed she was also diagnosed with cancer, though a different type from the one that killed the singer.

The "Margaritaville" hitmaker died of Merkel cell skin cancer, a rare and progressive type of the dreaded disease, which he battled privately for years. His sister, Laurie Buffett McGuane, revealed that the illness brought them closer as she was diagnosed with another type of cancer around the same time as the singer.

Jimmy Buffett's Sister Also Had Cancer

In her exclusive interview with People, Laurie and her husband, Tom McGuane, recalled Buffett's last days and the cancer diagnoses the siblings had.

According to Laurie, her brother was diagnosed first with skin cancer four years ago.

"When Jimmy found out [I had cancer], he brought the whole family and the dogs to Montana to be with me," she recalled, adding that they became each other's support especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Jimmy and I became closer because of our cancers. We talked before and after our scans," she added. "We shared a club that nobody wants to join. I am thunderstruck that Jimmy didn't make it."

Laurie is now cancer-free after undergoing surgery at Duke University and treatment in Montana. Although she has a family to lean on, she revealed that her brother became her rock who inspired her to stay positive and remain in high spirits.

Looking back at Buffett's last days, Laurie said the singer's sense of humor was "fully intact" until his last breath. She and their sister, Lucy, were with him when he died.

Jimmy Buffett Heartbroken After Canceling Shows

Despite his cancer diagnosis, Buffett spent the last years of his life performing. However, he felt heartbroken when he was forced to cancel his concerts before his death.

He initially canceled his shows in September 2022 after getting advice to be admitted following a health check-up. His doctor also said he should refrain from touring to allow himself to recuperate and heal.

He postponed more shows in May until he finally returned during a surprise appearance at a Mac McAnnally show in July.

Aside from cancer, reports said he also had a heart attack and suffered a head injury in 2011. The reports added that he underwent a surgical procedure to treat his torn rotator cuff in 2016.

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Jimmy Buffett