Margie Washichek is best known as the first wife of the American singer, songwriter, author, and businessman Jimmy Buffett. While her time in the public eye was relatively short, her story is interesting: a young college student who married before Buffett became a household name, then chose a more private path. This biography explores her early life, marriage, later years, and current status.
Early Life & Background
- Birthdate & Place: Margie Washichek was born on December 25, 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
- Education: She studied English at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. It was there that she met Jimmy Buffett (while he was attending what was then Mississippi Southern or the University of Southern Mississippi, depending on the source).
- Family and Childhood: Very few reliable public records exist about her family background (parents, siblings, etc.). Some sources mention she was raised in Mississippi, but details are generally unconfirmed.
Marriage to Jimmy Buffett
- How They Met: Margie and Jimmy Buffett met while in college. Their relationship grew from that period.
- Marriage: They married in 1969.
- Life During Marriage: At that time, Jimmy Buffett was in the early stages of his music career. Margie reportedly provided moral support, and she was there during tough early times. Some sources state that she worked as a secretary (or in a similar job) during or after the marriage.
- Divorce: The marriage ended in 1972.
Life After Divorce
- After parting ways with Jimmy Buffett, Margie Washichek largely stepped away from public life. There are few credible public records of her professional or public activities after the divorce.
- Some sources suggest that she chose to live more privately, and did not pursue high-profile public or entertainment careers.
- There is no clear evidence that she had children with Jimmy Buffett.
Net Worth, Public Profile & Current Status
- Net Worth: Various sources estimate her net worth around US$1.5 million or less. Some very low estimates place it far lower. Differences arise because much of her income and assets are private or limited in public record.
- Public Appearance & Social Media: Margie has kept a low profile. There are minimal reliable reports of her being active on social media, giving interviews, or making public appearances in recent years.
- Where She Is Now: As of the latest updates (2023–2024), little is publicly known about her day‑to‑day life, residence, or current activities. She appears to prefer privacy. She is no longer associated publicly with Jimmy Buffett’s life (after their divorce in 1972) beyond the historical record.
Additional Notes & Common Confusions
- Some sources contradict each other regarding her later relationships. While many say she did not remarry publicly, others suggest she may have, but these claims are not well-supported.
- There are myths or less substantiated claims (beauty pageants, etc.) floating around about her early life. For instance, one article says she may have been associated with “Miss U.S.S Alabama” or similar roles, but these often lack verifiable primary sources.
Legacy & Impact
- Although Margie Washichek did not become a public figure in her own right in the way some celebrity spouses do, her life is remembered by many fans of Jimmy Buffett as part of his formative years. Her role (supportive, present during early days) is often cited as having contributed to the personal equation in his early growth as an artist.
- Her decision to live privately afterward contributes to a narrative about people who, once connected to fame, choose another kind of life—one away from constant limelight. That in itself holds cultural interest, especially in discussions of celebrity, privacy, and what many people want for their lives.
Summary Where She Stands Now
- Margie Washichek, born December 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, studied English in college.
- She married Jimmy Buffett in 1969, during a stage when his career was just starting. Their marriage ended in 1972.
- After their divorce, she chose a private life. There are no major reports of her having public roles, high‑profile careers, or active presence in media. Her net worth estimates vary, but most place her modestly, several million or less, given her lifestyle and public inactivity. Today she remains out of the spotlight; there’s little fresh public information about her current life.
