Kenny Chesney shares ‘favorite’ memory of late friend Jimmy Buffett

(NewsNation) — In his new book, Kenny Chesney is opening up about his friendship with late friend Jimmy Buffett.  

In his upcoming book “Heart Life Music,” Kenny shares his “favorite Jimmy story,” according to People Magazine.  

“When I went to my first Jimmy Buffett show, I had just moved to Nashville, and I had no money. It was pouring rain, and I was up in the grass (at Starwood Amphitheater) where you go when you can’t afford a real seat,” Chesney told People Magazine in an interview.  

He added that seeing Buffett perform changed his life because it was his first time seeing someone give so much on stage while connecting with the audience.  

“And then you fast-forward, and it’s surreal that you become friends with that person and collaborate with that person in the studio and have that person just really inspire you,” the “You and Tequila” singer said. “And that’s what Jimmy was for me.” 

“You have people that create space for you to do your own thing, and Jimmy was one of those people,” he continued.  

Kenny Chesney paid tribute to Jimmy Buffett  

Buffett died in 2023 after a fight with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer.  

Chesney paid tribute to the “Margaritaville” singer at the 2023 Country Music Association Awards with a rendition of “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” as well as Buffett’s posthumous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2024, People Magazine reported.