Paul McCartney pens heartfelt tribute to singer Jimmy Buffett: 'He had a most amazing lust for life'

Paul McCartney is paying tribute to the late singer-songwriter and tropical rock musician, Jimmy Buffett. According to Buffet's official website, he died "peacefully" on September 1, surrounded by "family, friends, music and dogs." It added that he lived "his life like a song till the very last breath." The "Margaritaville" singer passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, at age 76, after a Merkel cell skin cancer diagnosis four years ago. 

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that often begins as "red, shiny nodules on the face, hands and neck," according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The musician is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane; his daughters, Savannah and Sarah; his son, Cameron; two sisters, Laurie and Lucy; his grandson Marley and his "devoted pack of dogs" Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody, according to the statement on his official website.

Following news of the icon's death, McCartney shared a lengthy and moving tribute to Buffett on Instagram, celebrating his strength and love of life. Recounting stories of sweet memories with the "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" singer, the Beatles star wrote: "It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I've known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people."

The Grammy-winner spoke about a time Buffett had one of his "roadies" re-string one of his guitars so that McCartney, who is left-handed, could play after forgetting his own guitar while on a trip. "He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It's a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now, it'll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was," he shared.

Admiring some of Buffet's best qualities, McCartney said: "He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humor. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him."

The "Maybe I'm Amazed" singer also spoke about how Buffett's "eyes still twinkled with a humor that said, 'I love this world and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.' So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all and for mankind as a whole."

The 81-year-old also reminisced about a "real fun" recording session he did with Buffett on "one of his latest songs called 'My Gummy Just Kicked In.'" "We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, 'Bubbles Up.' And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I've heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater into a metaphor for life when you're confused and don't know where you are just follow the bubbles - they'll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away. So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend," McCartney wrote, concluding his post.