ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Sunshine State is officially celebrating "Jimmy Buffett Day" for the first time on Friday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill establishing the holiday earlier this year in February "to celebrate the life and music of Jimmy Buffett, whose free-spirited life and significant contributions to national and state culture are commended and celebrated."
The holiday recognizes the iconic "Margaritaville" songwriter and entrepreneur, who built a legacy in Florida through songs about escapism, wanderlust and a world of adventure inspired by a fateful trip to Key West in 1971, according to his official website.
Throughout his career, Buffett released a number of songs that saw chart success and performed on more than 50 studio and live albums with his Coral Reefer Band, according to a report from the Associated Press.
But, it was "Margaritaville," released on Feb. 14, 1977 that became his signature tune. The song presented a state of mind for people to enjoy low-key fun and escapism, according to AP.
The song reportedly spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 8. "Margaritaville" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016, helping brand Key West, Florida "as a distinct sound of music and a destination known the world over," according to AP.
With chart success came even more entrepreneurial endeavors for Buffett, as the song inspired restaurants and resorts, turning the song's meaning into a multimillion brand, AP said.
In 2018, Buffett was ranked 18th in Forbes' list of the Richest Celebrities of All Time with a net worth of $1 billion.
On Sept. 1, 2023, Buffett died at the age of 76 after a four-year battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer, according to his website.
"He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," a statement posted to Buffett's official website said on the day of his death.
The Associated Press contributed to the reporting in this article.