Payam Javan: U.S. singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet died on Friday at the age of 76 after a four-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer.

Buffet had been forced to cancel several shows in 2022 due to the cancer, but he never stopped performing and planned to release a new album this year.

His last show was a surprise appearance at a Mac McAnally show in July.

Merkel cell skin cancer is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that is often fatal. It is most common in fair-skinned males over the age of 50. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor, but the cancer often comes back.

Buffet is survived by his wife of 46 years, two daughters, a son, a grandson, and a pack of dogs.

Buffet was diagnosed with Merkel cell skin cancer in 2018. The cancer spread to his lymph nodes and other parts of his body. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer eventually returned.

Buffet died peacefully at his home in Sag Harbor, New York.