Remembering Jimmy Buffett: Singer honored by political ‘parrotheads’
Heather Hunter
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Both Republican and Democratic politicians and pundits paid tribute to the legendary “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett after his death over the weekend.
President Joe Biden called him “a poet of paradise” and “an American music icon.”
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“His witty, wistful songs celebrate a uniquely American cast of characters and seaside folkways, weaving together an unforgettable musical mix of country, folk, rock, pop, and calypso into something uniquely his own,” Biden said in a statement.
“I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years,” former President Bill Clinton said Saturday.
Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remembered his “dear friend” and “environmental ally.”
“Buffett’s maritime passions inspired the Parrothead movement, an ideology that begins with a love for our waterways and respect for each other,” Kennedy said.
https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1698120112975626350
Buffett was a supporter of the Democratic Party, backing numerous candidates. He notably hosted a 2018 concert in support of Florida Democratic candidates in which he took political shots at former President Donald Trump and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) during the event.
Despite his political activism, Buffett and his tropical rock music remained beloved by many Republicans.
“Jimmy Buffett was a legendary musician who lived his life knowing it was always 5:00 somewhere,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Rest in peace to this American icon who brought happiness to so many.”
Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake said on social media: “Thank you for bringing so much happiness to this world. Rest in Paradise, Jimmy Buffett.”
Political commentator Mary Katharine Ham reminded fans of the singer’s “perfect” uncredited movie cameo in which he played a bartender at Jurassic Park and is seen fleeing the bar with the chaotic crowd while carefully attempting not to spill his beloved margaritas in both hands.
“Yours was a life well lived. You were one of the happiest people I’ve ever known!” KT McFarland, Trump’s former deputy national security adviser, said in a post that featured a photo of herself and Buffett smiling.
Culture critic Christian Toto described why the singer was universally loved.
“It was a brand, a vibe, and a feeling. Jimmy Buffett tried to tell us to chill out and to enjoy. The work week will end. You’ll have a drink and relax with friends. And that image was so consistent,” he said on WMAL in Washington on Monday.
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Toto added: “He was an empire and a capitalist in the way that, I think, even a Bernie Bro would be, like, ‘yeah, I’m OK with that.’ It was because of that brand and that vibe.”
The musician had created a billion-dollar “Margaritaville” business enterprise that included casinos, resorts, three retirement communities, and a cruise line.