The music world lost one of its most one-of-a-kind stars this year when Jimmy Buffett died at the age of 76. Known for classic songs like “Margaritaville” and his island lifestyle, Buffett was a beloved icon for decades.
Nearly three months after the singer’s passing on September 1, one of his final songs and music videos has been released — and it’s all about his love for dogs.
The song, titled “Like My Dog,” is all about Buffett’s love for dogs: the lyrics are all about wanting a partner who will give him the same love his pets do.
“She never tells me that she’s sick of this house. She never says, ‘Why don’t you get off that couch?’/ She don’t cost nothin’ when she wants to go out/ I want you to love me like my dog,” he sings.
“Why won’t you love me like my dog does, baby?“
The music video, released on November 25, is made up of home footage of the late “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer playing with his dogs, along with videos sent in by fans using the hashtag #likemydog, which Buffett requested before his death.
The song was created in a collaboration with the ASPCA to promote pet adoption from animal shelters.
It’s a fitting posthumous release by Buffett, who in his life was an avid lover of animals. In addition to having beloved pet dogs of his own — according to Celebrity Pets, he had four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Lola, Gracie, Gigi and Jojo — he used his fame to advocate for wildlife: he formed the Save the Manatee Club in 1981 and raised millions for the species’ protection. He also lobbied Congress to renew the Endangered Species Act in 1987.
“The dedication and humanity Jimmy Buffett put into his music crossed over into his love for animals, especially pets and wildlife,” ASPCA president and CEO Matt Bershadker said in a statement, per Today. “This collaboration honors Jimmy’s legacy and animal advocacy and reflects our shared commitment to help vulnerable dogs find safe and loving homes.”
READ MORE: Keith Urban gives emotional tribute to Jimmy Buffett – “an incredible musician”
Jimmy Buffett died on September 1 after a four-year battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. He was 76. Buffett was a major music draw til the very end, and had a deeply devoted fanbase called “Parrotheads.”
“Like My Dog,” a cover of a song originally recorded by Billy Currington, is included on Buffett’s album Equal Strain on All Parts, the last album he completed before his death. The album peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and was #1 on the US Top Rock Albums chart.
It’s heartwarming that the late Jimmy Buffett made one of his final songs a tribute to dogs and an encouragement for people to adopt. Rest in peace, Jimmy ❤️
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