Luke Bryan made sure to take a moment to honor Jimmy Buffett at his Vegas residency after news of Buffett's death broke over the weekend. At a show at Resorts World Theatre on Saturday, September 2, Bryan declared that his entire show would be dedicated to Buffett. While holding a 'solo cup' shot glass and wearing a beach-themed shirt, Bryan then launched into one of Buffett's most recognizable songs: 1977's "Margaritaville."
Bryan performed a casual rendition of the song — sometimes mixing up words and looking to the audience for the next line — but he undoubtedly had fun while singing the tune. The crowd enjoyed it as well, singing along with Bryan and making for a fitting tribute to Buffett.
At the end of the performance, Bryan sent one more shoutout to Buffett, saying, "Here's to the great Jimmy Buffett!"
@missjackieg @LukeBryan tribute to @jimmybuffett #ripjimmybuffett #jimmybuffett #margaritaville #lukebryan #fyp #lasvegas
Bryan isn't the only country artist who has offered praise to Buffett during a concert. Keith Urban shared a personal memory of Buffett and performed "Come Monday" and "Margaritaville" during a show in Atlantic City. Zac Brown Band also shared a rendition of "Margaritaville" during a show in Gilford, New Hampshire. Old Dominion sang it in Aspen, Colo.
Other tributes to Buffett poured in on social media, with his friend and frequent collaborator Kenny Chesney sharing a heartfelt performance of "A Pirate Looks at Forty" on the beach. He also posted a clip of himself and Buffett performing "Margaritaville" onstage together.
"So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor," Chesney wrote in the post.
Buffett passed away on Friday, September 1, after a battle with a form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. A statement shared to his website and social media accounts announced the news.
"Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," the statement read. "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."
