CNN –
When the late singer Jimmy Buffett was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer about four years ago, his younger sister Laurie Buffett McGuane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly after.
McGuane, who is now cancer-free, told People that the siblings have supported each other through their individual treatments.
“Jimmy and I became closer through our cancer struggles. We spoke before and after our scans,” she said. “We shared a club that no one wants to join. I’m thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.”
She remembered her brother, whom she affectionately called Bubba, inspiring her to stay strong.
“I rode my horse during my treatments and tried to carry on with my life the way Jimmy did,” McGuane said. “He brought joy to so many. I’m very emotional now. When Jimmy was born, I felt safe.”
McGuane said she was among the family members who stood by Buffett when he died. As a tribute to them, she shared a photo of them as children on Instagram.
“We talked about our childhood, where only siblings can identify. “I told him I’ve known him longer than anyone on the planet,” McGuane wrote. “He smiled with his sparkling blue eyes and squeezed my hand.”