Saints issue statement on the death of longtime fan Jimmy Buffett

The Saints issued a statement on the death of longtime celebrity fan Jimmy Buffett, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and fans:

The Who Dat Nation got a little smaller on Saturday with the news that longtime celebrity fan Jimmy Buffett has died at 76. Buffett, a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan and native of Pascagoula, Miss., was a frequent sight at the Caesars Superdome and Saints training camp over the years.

Buffett was also a legendary singer and songwriter, building an empire out of his unique brand of country music with pop and calypso influences that celebrated the “beach bum” lifestyle. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he developed an appreciation of the natural world around him that led to charitable efforts supporting hurricane relief, wildlife conservation, and cleanup following the BP oil spill disaster.

And he had a tight relationship with the Saints. Buffett was friends with former head coach Sean Payton. He sang the national anthem before the infamous 2019 NFC championship game, and was so hurt by the game’s decisive no-call that he mocked the whole incident a few months later onstage at Jazz Fest.

The Saints issued a statement on Buffett’s passing, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and sprawling “Parrothead” fanbase: “He was an iconic performer, a true Saints fan, a dear friend of New Orleans, and the life of the party. Jimmy will be dearly missed but celebrated forever.”

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