I am sure by now you have heard the sad news.

The man, the myth, the legend in his own time. He was larger than life, yet he was everyman.

Throngs of fans not only attended his concerts but planned their entire year around them. He was actually in the middle of a world tour when it happened.

His followers even have their own nickname, as a universal group: PARROTHEADS.

I digress. And I will again.

He was the epitome of sunshine, vacations, warm breezes and lazily enjoying life in general. Getting a hint that I rather liked him a bit? If not, you don’t know old PK and / or I’m not doing my job very well.

Hmpf. Either way.

I refer, of course, to the one and only Jimmy Buffett. Sure, by now, reporters all over the globe have covered the who, what, why, where and when about the story of his life and death.

And even if you didn’t know who he was (for shame!), you will soon, because the outpouring of not only grief, but dare I even say, genuine love, for this man transcends generations.

Shoot, some people wanted him to run for president. I’d have voted for him, if I’m being honest!

I mean, in my defense, have you seen our choices lately? Good grief, Charlie Brown!

Just sayin’.

Indeed, many are reeling about the loss of Jimmy Buffett.

Wikipedia wasted no time in establishing a Jimmy Buffett posting, as did his official website, www.jimmybuffett.com.

It lists his occupation as “singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman.” And this generation’s “King of Cool,” in my humble opinion.

Born in 1946, he married twice and had one daughter named Delaney. This I know no thanks to any other resources than my own noggin and the admiration harbored within it.

Speaking of harbors, “One Particular Harbor” was not only one of my favorites by the crooner, but clearly that of millions worldwide.

The official Jimmy Buffett website confirms that he sold more than 20 million albums in his lifetime. The site goes on to explain that he founded the “Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville” restaurant chain, as well as one “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and many other ventures in hotels, casinos, liquor and even retirement communities, which ensured he was not poor.

He was, in fact, a billionaire. Um, yes, that’s billion with a “B.” Easily, he was one of the world’s richest musicians. Or any of the other humans I’d imagine?

Hmmm.

It’s been widely reported that Buffett died Sept. 1, at age 76, in his home in Sag Harbor, New York, due to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma. This is a rare but aggressive skin cancer, with which he had apparently been diagnosed four years ago.

Just FYI, and as I’m prone to do, I took a quick poll of some my nearest and dearest to see what they loved most about him. My big brother immediately said “Tin Cup Chalice” and then “Math sucks.”

My word brain gets it, yo.

My sister went with a three-way tie of “Bama Breeze,” “Come Monday,” and “Pencil Thin Mustache.” The latter is Mom’s personal fave while my cousin Mimi opted for the classic “Margaritaville” as did several other of my pals.

Long story short, he touched so many of us, period.

Hope the sun is shining and you’ve got your toes in the sand, old friend!

Kimerer is one of the many jamming to Jimmy in his honor. Contact her with sunny thoughts at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.