Jimmy Buffett, the beloved singer-songwriter and proud son of Coastal Alabama, is set to be immortalized on Mobile’s riverfront.
The City of Mobile announced that sculptor Ben Victor will create a 7.5-foot statue of Buffett, guitar in hand, gazing over the waters that shaped his early life and music.
Scheduled for unveiling in September 2026 outside the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, the piece will celebrate Buffett’s enduring connection to the Port City.
From Mobile Roots to Global Fame
Buffett was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, but grew up in Mobile, where the rhythms of the Gulf Coast left a permanent mark on his songwriting.
Known for hits like Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise, he blended country, rock, and coastal storytelling into a sound that inspired generations of Parrotheads.
His songs often referenced beaches, boats, and a laid-back lifestyle—a reflection of the world he knew along Alabama’s shoreline.
Beyond the music charts, Buffett built a lifestyle empire that spanned restaurants, resorts, and bestselling books, all while staying true to his Gulf Coast roots.
An Artist Known for Capturing Spirit and Story
Victor, a nationally renowned sculptor, was chosen after an extensive search that included more than 30 artists worldwide.
He’s no stranger to high-profile projects: at just 26, he became the youngest artist to place a sculpture in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.
Today, he’s the only living artist with four works displayed there.
Victor’s portfolio features lifelike tributes to cultural icons like Merle Haggard, and his distinctive approach focuses on capturing both likeness and emotion.
A Community Effort Backed by Family and Arts Leaders
The Mobile Arts Council and a local committee worked closely with Buffett’s family to ensure the statue reflects the singer’s playful spirit and love for the coast.
Karen Poth, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum, said the project aims to inspire generations of music lovers and visitors.
The collaboration underscores Mobile’s ongoing effort to honor a hometown hero whose influence extends far beyond Alabama.
The statue is more than art—it’s a nod to the community’s identity and the Gulf’s role in shaping its culture.
Looking Toward a Celebration on the Water
When the statue is unveiled in 2026, it will add another cultural landmark to Mobile’s waterfront.
For fans of Buffett’s music, the sculpture will be a place to pause, smile, and maybe hum a familiar tune.
For visitors and locals alike, it will stand as a reminder of the city’s deep ties to the Gulf Coast’s music and maritime heritage.
As Mobile invests in its downtown riverfront, this tribute will become part of a broader story—a city honoring its past, celebrating its culture, and inviting everyone to share in the easygoing Gulf Coast spirit that Buffett made famous.
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