Jimmy Buffett Dead: Coral Reefer Band To Celebrate His Life Through This

Jimmy Buffett's backing musicians in the Coral Reefer Band will grant the last wish the famed musician made before his death.

On September 1, Buffett passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family, friends and dogs. His cause of death was later determined as Merkel cell skin cancer - a rare, aggressive type of skin cancer.

Jimmy Buffett's Band To Honor Him After His Death

Buffett told his family and friends before his death that everyone should "keep the party going." In response to his request, the Coral Reefer Band announced that it would party after the musician's passing.

In a statement to Billboard, Coral Reefer Band singer/guitarist Mac McAnally said the band is a second family for everyone, and they will continue what they have after the loss.

He said that "there's ongoing discussions about the best way to do that, the most practical way to do that and how to do it in a way that is worthy of the legacy that we're part of."

The Coral Reefer Band had been backing Buffett for decades since the 1970s, and McAnally revealed they would do something soon.

The singer did not share further details about the "party," but the members are reportedly figuring it out before going back to the stage.

The Coral Reefer band currently has McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Nadirah Shakoor, Eric Darken, Tina Gullickson, Doyle Grisham, Roger Guth and John Lovell.

They marked their last tour with Buffett on May 6 at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium, while McAnally was still able to play with the musician on the July 2 stop in Portsmouth, R.I.

Jimmy Buffett Wanted To Play More

While dealing with his health issues, Buffett expressed his desire to be on stage despite undergoing treatment.

"I didn't know how far up or down he was. I hadn't seen him [in person], though he never called without Facetiming me and I could tell he was losing weight. He couldn't do a full show, but he kept calling, saying, 'Where are you playing? I'm gonna come sit in,'" McAnally continued.

Buffett's last album will also arrive in fall, though his team has since dropped preview to three of the songs: "Bubbles Up," "My Gummie Just Kicked In" and "Like My Dog."

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