HYDE-SMITH PAYS TRIBUTE TO MISSISSIPPI NATIVE JIMMY BUFFETT
Miss. Senator Honors the Legacy of this ‘Son of a Son of a Sailor,’ Says Buffett’s Music Touched the Hearts of Those Well Beyond Mississippi
VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Tribute to the Late Jimmy Buffett.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today paid tribute to Mississippi native and legendary musician Jimmy Buffett, who passed away September 1. Hyde-Smith delivered the tribute in a Senate floor speech.
“I have so much gratitude for the joy, laughter, and inspiration that Jimmy Buffett brought into so many Americans’ lives. His music is a timeless reminder that, no matter where we come from, we can all find a bit of paradise within ourselves and come Monday, it’ll be alright,” Hyde-Smith said. “Jimmy Buffett is a true Southern storyteller who was generous enough to share his piece of paradise with the world. I have no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Read the full text of Hyde-Smith’s tribute speech below:
Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable life of a legendary native of Mississippi, whose music is synonymous with the spirit of summertime and enjoying life: Jimmy Buffett.
Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett’s journey began in the heart of the South. His music touches the hearts of those well beyond Mississippi or the South, but there’s no denying Jimmy’s music embodies the very essence of the South with its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and distinctive charm.
Jimmy’s early years were filled with the sights and sounds of Mississippi. The sun shining over the Gulf of Mexico and many other beautiful experiences of the South would later inspire some of his most beloved songs.
But it was Jimmy’s insatiable appetite for adventure which ultimately propelled him to worldwide fame. He embarked on a journey that would take him to the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and beyond those changes in latitudes.
Amid more than 40 musical tours throughout his career, he channeled his talents into a diverse business empire and charitable works.
As we reflect on the legacy of this son of a son of a sailor, we cannot help but be inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s unyielding commitment to following his dreams and embracing life.
His songs transport us to sandy beaches, where the stresses of life fade away. He reminds us that sometimes, we all need to kick back, relax, and take a moment to savor the simple pleasures of life. As Jimmy would put it, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
In honoring Jimmy Buffett, we celebrate the man who, through his music, brought us with him on many of his adventures around the sun, from the Pascagoula Run, to the shores of paradise, and we are all the better for it.
I have so much gratitude for the joy, laughter, and inspiration that Jimmy Buffett brought into so many Americans’ lives.
His music is a timeless reminder that, no matter where we come from, we can all find a bit of paradise within ourselves and come Monday, it’ll be alright.
Jimmy Buffett is a true Southern storyteller who was generous enough to share his piece of paradise with the world. I have no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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