Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister Laurie has revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer “in regards to the same time” as her late brother, who died last week aged 76.
Laurie, 74, discovered she had pancreatic cancer through the pandemic, and is now cancer-free following months of treatment.
But the long-lasting “Margaritaville” hitmaker, who was diagnosed with a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma, sadly lost his battle surrounded by his family members on Friday.
Speaking about her beloved brother’s death, Laurie admits she’s “thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.”
“Jimmy and I were diagnosed with cancer in regards to the same time,” she told People.
“It was 4 years ago and Jimmy was actually diagnosed first. When Jimmy discovered [I had cancer] he brought the entire family and the dogs to Montana to be with me.”
Though she sought treatment in Montana, Laurie says she and her late brother, whom she lovingly known as Bubba, relied on one another for support throughout their respective cancer battles.
“Jimmy and I became closer due to our cancers. We talked before and after our scans,” she shared. “We shared a club that no one wants to hitch. I’m thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.”
Laurie admitted that Jimmy was her inspiration throughout treatment.
“I rode my horse during my treatments and tried to proceed with my life the identical way Jimmy has done” she told the outlet.
For his part, Jimmy was surrounded by his family members in his final moments, and Laurie says the siblings recalled childhood memories to one another.
After the singer’s death, Laurie rushed to social media to pay tribute to her beloved sibling, writing, “Lulu and I were just with Bubba. We talked about our childhood where only siblings can relate. I told him I’ve known him longer than anyone on the planet. He smiled with those twinkling blue eyes and squeezed my hand.”
The “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” singer’s death was announced on social media just months after he was forced to tug the plug on several of his shows following a series of hospitalizations.
And while it was the proper plan of action on the time, Laurie admits it devastated him.
“Jimmy desired to perform the shows that he needed to cancel,” she said. “He brought joy to so many. I’m very emotional now. When Jimmy was on the planet, I felt protected. Despite the fact that I actually have Tom, it can be a complete recent thing for me to be without my brother Jimmy.”
