Jimmy Buffett, the renowned American singer-songwriter celebrated for his 1970s smash hit "Margaritaville," has passed away at the age of 76.

A statement posted on his website conveyed, "Jimmy peacefully departed on the evening of September 1, surrounded by his loved ones, music, and dogs. He lived his life akin to a song until his very last breath, and his absence will be deeply felt by countless."

The specific cause of Buffett's demise was not disclosed, but he had been under medical care in recent months.

Jimmy Buffett was born in Mississippi, USA, but grew up in the neighboring state of Alabama before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee. His aspiration was to pursue a career as a country singer while working for the music and entertainment magazine Billboard. Later on, he moved to Florida, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the tropical rock genre, which eventually gained broader popularity through artists like Jack Johnson.

Buffett achieved musical prominence with his 1977 album titled "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," featuring the hit song "Margaritaville," which spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His repertoire also boasted other well-loved tracks like "Fins," "Come Monday," and "Son of a Son of a Sailor."

Buffett received two Grammy award nominations during his career and was incredibly prolific, having released over 20 albums. In the earlier part of this year, he disclosed that he had been working on a new project.

Notably, his songs were adapted into a musical production, "Escape to Margaritaville," which debuted on Broadway in 2018.

Jimmy Buffett's music and his advocacy of the "beach bum" lifestyle endeared him to a dedicated fanbase of millions who affectionately referred to themselves as Parrotheads.

"RIP to the troubadour of my youth," wrote one Parrothead on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"So many great memories at Jimmy's shows. This is a hard one," said another.

Tributes have also been made by some of his fellow musicians, including Elton John, who said Buffett was "a unique and treasured entertainer" who had "gone way too soon".

Beach Boys' Brian Wilson tweeted a picture of one of Buffett's album covers with the message: "love and mercy, Jimmy Buffett".

"Rest in power @jimmybuffett I'm glad we had time to vibe," wrote the rapper LL Cool J.

"You were and always will be a Truly inspiring human."

Up until recently, Buffett still performed regularly with his Coral Reefer Band but had to cancel shows after being hospitalised in May.

In a post on Facebook, he promised to make it up to fans once he was "in shape".

"I think playing is as therapeutic for me as it is for fans to listen and sing along," he said.

As well as a musician, Buffett was a best-selling author and entrepreneur who opened up a string of popular resorts, clubs. restaurants, merchandise shops and retirement communities based on the Margaritaville brand.

His net worth was estimated by Forces to be $1bn (£794m), according to figures released this month.

Buffett is survived by his wife Jane and their three children.

Condolence to the family and all who knows him.

May God have mercy.