There was a person named Margie Washichek who made a big impact. Even though she was only part of his life for a short time. She was his first wife from 1969 to 1972, and she had a strong influence on his early music career. People often don’t talk much about this part of his life because of his later fame.

Looking closely at their time together tells a story, just like a song from the Caribbean. About the mysterious woman who played a big role in the life of one of America’s favorite musicians.

Profile Bio: Margie Washichek

Early Life and Background of Margie Washichek

Margie was born in 1948 in Pascagoula, a small coastal city on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. She came from a working-class family and enjoyed a typical Southern upbringing.

As a girl growing up in Pascagoula in the 1950s-60s, Margie was influenced by the music and culture of the American South. The city had a vibrant music scene influenced by blues, jazz, country and early rock. Many touring musicians would pass through Pascagoula on their way to New Orleans or Mobile.

Margie developed a passion for music from a young age. She enjoyed listening to the top 40 on the radio as well as blues, R&B, and rock artists. In high school, she was known as a free spirit who loved going to live shows, dancing and having a good time.

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Meeting Jimmy Buffett: A Fateful Encounter

Margie met Jimmy Buffett in the late 1960s when he was starting to perform locally in Mississippi. Jimmy had dropped out of college and was pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician.

One night in 1968, Margie went to see one of Jimmy’s early shows with his band the Coral Reefer Band in Pascagoula. She was immediately struck by his musical talent and charismatic stage presence.

After the show, Margie introduced herself to Jimmy and the two hit it off right away. Both shared a love of music and the Southern lifestyle. They began spending more time together at local bars and music venues. A romance soon blossomed between the small-town girl and ambitious young singer-songwriter.

Marriage and Early Years Together

In 1969, after dating for around a year, Margie and Jimmy decided to marry. By this time Jimmy had relocated to Nashville to further his career. Margie supported his decision to move and went with him.

The early years of their marriage in Nashville were happy but also difficult financially. Jimmy worked hard as a studio musician and tried to break in as a songwriter. Margie helped support them with office jobs while also promoting Jimmy’s shows.

She became Jimmy’s biggest champion and fan during this time. Margie believed in his talent when many others were skeptical. With her encouragement, Jimmy kept pursuing his dream of being a successful musician.

The Turning Point: Buffett’s Rise to Fame

In 1971, everything changed when Jimmy’s song “Come Monday” became a hit. More success followed with his album A1A being released in 1972 to strong sales.

Overnight, Jimmy went from a struggling local musician to having national fame. He suddenly found himself besieged with opportunities and constantly on the road touring. This intense schedule put a strain on their relationship.

Seeking peace and quiet, Margie returned to Pascagoula in 1972. Not long after, she and Jimmy decided to end their marriage, realizing they had grown apart through his rising fame. They divorced amicably later that year after three years of marriage.

Life After Divorce: Margie Washichek’s Path

After the divorce, Margie chose to remain in Pascagoula and largely avoided the spotlight. She did not seek alimony or payment from Jimmy’s newfound wealth.

Margie kept her private life out of the public eye. She held down various jobs and focused on her family and friends in her hometown. To this day, very little personal information has emerged about Margie’s path after leaving Nashville.

It’s believed she never remarried and has no children. Now in her early 70s, Margie reportedly still resides in the Pascagoula area. She continues to avoid any involvement in Jimmy Buffett’s business or fan empire. Margie values her privacy above all else.

Margie Washichek’s Legacy

While their marriage was brief, Margie Washichek played a pivotal role in Jimmy Buffett’s early career. She supported him emotionally and financially during his difficult struggles to break into the industry.

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Margie’s encouragement gave Jimmy the confidence to keep pursuing his dream long before he achieved success. Many music historians point to her as one of the key figures who believed in Buffett before he became famous.

Over 50 years later, Margie’s influence endures. Jimmy has said in interviews that much of the inspiration for his “wasted island” lifestyle persona stems from those early carefree days with Margie in Mississippi and Nashville. She remains an important part of his personal story.

Though she stays out of view, Margie Washichek can still be seen as one of the original “Margaritaville” girls who inspired a genre-defining artist at his start. Her early support was a big reason why Jimmy Buffett was able to achieve his dreams of fame and fortune down the road.

Reflections on a Bygone Era

Looking back, the story of Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett is one of young love, shared dreams, and the complexities of life in the public eye. It serves as a reminder that behind every successful person, there are often unsung heroes who contribute significantly to their journey. Margie’s role in Buffett’s life may not be widely known, but it is an integral part of his narrative.

As Jimmy Buffett continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide, it is worth remembering the woman who stood by his side during those early, uncertain years. Margie Washichek’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love and support, and the courage to forge a new path when life takes unexpected turns.

FAQs

Who is Jimmy Buffett’s first wife?

Jimmy Buffett’s first wife was Margie Washichek. They married in 1969 and divorced in 1972.

Was Jimmy Buffett married when he died?

No, Jimmy Buffett is still alive today at age 76. He has not died.

Did Jimmy Buffett have a family?

Yes, Jimmy Buffett has been married twice. He has three children from his two marriages – daughter Savannah Jane (born 1972) and son Caleb (born 1974) from his first marriage to Margie Washichek, and daughter Lilly (born 1993) from his second marriage to Jane Slagsvol which ended in divorce in 2016.

What is Jimmy Buffett famous for?

Jimmy Buffett is famous primarily as a singer-songwriter best known for pioneering the “Gulf and Western” or “tropical rock” genre with hit songs like “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday.” His music is characterized by island escapism themes and parrothead fan culture.

Final Words

While their romantic relationship was brief, Margie had an outsized influence on Jimmy Buffett during his formative years as a musician. She provided encouragement when many were skeptical of his talents, supporting his ambitions. With belief in his abilities when he needed it most. 

Through her companionship, Margie also helped shape the persona and themes that have resonated with fans for decades.Most importantly, Margie represented for Buffett the relaxed, carefree island lifestyle that has become his musical and personal brand. Even after their divorce, she remained an important muse fueling hits like “Margaritaville.” 

Though she remains out of view, Margie Washichek deserves recognition as playing a vital role in the origins of one of American music’s most enduring legends. Her brief but impactful time with Jimmy Buffett helped set the course for all that was to come in his phenomenal career.

William Stark