James William Buffett, known to millions as Jimmy Buffett, was more than just a singer-songwriter. He was a cultural icon. Born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jimmy became synonymous with a tropical rock sound and a laid-back lifestyle. His music includes many hit songs collectively known as The Big 8 and is celebrated for promoting enjoyment and passion.
The 1970s saw Buffett’s rise to fame. His marriage to Jane Slagsvol in 1977 marked the beginning of a new chapter. The couple met at the Chart Room bar in Key West, and their bond was immediate and enduring. They wed in Aspen, Colorado, with the Eagles, for whom Buffett opened in 1975, playing at their wedding. Together, they had two daughters, Savannah and Sarah Delaney, and adopted a son, Cameron Marley.
Buffett’s fame soared, but his personal life was not without challenges. The couple separated in the early 1980s, only to reconcile in 1991 after Jane embraced sobriety. Despite his fame and the longevity of his marriage to Jane, Jimmy’s first wife, Margie Washichek, 78, should not be forgotten. She supported him through the early, uncertain days as he laid the foundation for his legendary career.
Her Short-Lived Marriage To Jimmy Buffett
Margie and Jimmy exchanged vows in 1969 in the picturesque setting of St. Joseph’s Chapel on the campus of Spring Hill College. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Nashville as Jimmy pursued his burgeoning music career.
Their marriage soon faced strains as Jimmy developed what is described as an “obsession” with a young woman named Edith, who worked at an upper-class clothing store called The Looking Glass. Jimmy often spent time outside the shop, playing his guitar and composing songs that whimsically incorporated “Eddie” into the lyrics.
After around three years of marriage, Jimmy filed for divorce from Margie in September 1972. The late singer acknowledged the shortcomings of his commitment and left Margie with the Mercedes, a gesture indicating his recognition of her enduring patience and support throughout their brief marriage.
Following their divorce, Jimmy found another partner, Jane Slagsvol, soon and got married later in 1977. As for Margie, she has since kept a low profile, with little known about her personal life after their divorce.
Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, at the age of 76. His death was attributed to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that he had been battling for four years.
Margie Washichek Was An Integral Part of Jimmy’s Early Career
The Spring Hill College co-ed, Margie was crowned Miss USS Alabama and served as the official hostess for the famed battle-wagon during 1967-68. Around this time, her path crossed with Jimmy, who would soon become her fiancé and a significant figure in her life.
Margie visited Product Sound Studio to make an appointment for Jimmy Buffett, then a student at Mississippi Southern. Her visit marked a crucial time as Jimmy’s charismatic presence and infectious smile left a lasting impression.
Despite challenges in getting his songs aired on local radio, Jimmy’s talent was evident. During this period, Margie’s support was crucial as he and collaborators like Milton Brown committed to serious musical production.
This period was crucial as Jimmy, not quite fitting into the conventional radio genres of the time, struggled to find his place within the music industry. His style, which was neither purely country nor pop, later evolved into what fans recognize today as his signature ‘Caribbean cowboy’ sound.
Jimmy and Margie’s move to Nashville marked a new chapter. They faced the music industry’s challenges together, with Margie providing critical emotional support as Jimmy navigated the highs and lows of starting in a new city.
