Though not a household name today, Margie Washichek holds a place in music history as the first wife of the late Jimmy Buffett, the iconic American singer-songwriter and businessman. While Jimmy Buffett became a global figure with his laid-back musical style and “Margaritaville” lifestyle, Margie remained a more private person. Her connection to Buffett has brought curiosity to her life story, especially about her background, family life, and what became of her after their marriage ended.
In this detailed article, we cover everything you should know about Margie Washichek family life, including her early background, personal details, education, marriage, and life after Buffett.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Margie Washichek |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Early 1940s (exact year not public) |
| Place of Birth | Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Jimmy Buffett |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse (Ex-Husband) | Jimmy Buffett (married 1969–1972) |
| Children | None known |
| Occupation | Private (not publicly disclosed) |
| Current Status | Retired / Living privately |
Who Is Margie Washichek?
Margie Washichek is best known as the first wife of Jimmy Buffett, the legendary American musician famous for songs like Margaritaville, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and Come Monday. Their marriage lasted from 1969 to 1972, before Jimmy’s major commercial success.
Although her time in the spotlight was brief, Margie’s story is deeply intertwined with the formative years of Buffett’s music career. Despite the divorce, she played a role during a period of his life that set the foundation for the “Margaritaville” empire.
Over time, Margie chose a private life, away from fame and the entertainment world. Her brief marriage to Buffett left fans curious about who she was, where she came from, and what her life looked like afterward.
Early Life and Background
Margie Washichek was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the same hometown as Jimmy Buffett. Growing up in this Southern port town during the 1940s or early 1950s, Margie likely lived a traditional American Southern upbringing, typical of middle-class families of that era.
While not much is publicly documented about her parents or childhood, it is understood that Margie was part of a tight-knit local community. Pascagoula, a coastal town, was known for its shipbuilding industry, Southern hospitality, and music culture—elements that undoubtedly influenced both Margie and Jimmy in their early years.
Margie’s connection to Jimmy began during their youth. The two were high school or college-age sweethearts, depending on the source, and they married when Jimmy was still pursuing his music dreams.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Margie Washichek would likely be in her early 80s, assuming she was born around the early 1940s. Her exact date of birth is not publicly recorded.
Estimated Physical Description (based on historic photos):
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Hair Color: Brunette (dark brown)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Style: Classic Southern charm, modest and elegant
Because Margie has stayed out of the public eye for decades, recent images or appearances are unavailable.
Education
Specific details about Margie Washichek’s education are not widely available. However, it is believed that she and Jimmy Buffett both attended college in the South around the same time.
Jimmy Buffett graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969, and it is possible that Margie attended a nearby institution or the same school. During that period, women from Pascagoula often attended regional colleges or universities, pursuing degrees in education, liberal arts, or secretarial studies.
Margie may have met Jimmy either during college or just after graduation. Regardless, her early adult years coincided with Jimmy’s pre-fame days, where he was focused on becoming a musician and storyteller.
His Father – Jimmy Buffett’s Father
While this article focuses on Margie Washichek, her brief marriage connects her to James Delaney Buffett Jr., Jimmy Buffett’s father.
James D. Buffett was a naval architect and shipyard worker, which aligned with Pascagoula’s major industries. He was a stern but loving father, raising his children with traditional Southern values. As Jimmy pursued music—an unusual choice at the time—his father initially had reservations about his career path.
Margie’s in-laws during her short marriage would have included:
- Father-in-law: James Delaney Buffett Jr.
- Mother-in-law: Mary Lorraine Buffett (née Peets)
Margie’s time in the Buffett family would have placed her in close contact with these traditional figures during Jimmy’s early, struggling years as a musician.
His Mother – Mary Lorraine Buffett (née Peets)
Mary Lorraine Peets Buffett, Jimmy’s mother and Margie’s former mother-in-law, was a teacher and an advocate for education. She was an influential figure in Jimmy’s upbringing, and likely had some influence over Margie’s early married life as well.
The Buffett household valued discipline, education, and resilience, which may have contributed to the structure and traditions Margie was used to during her short marriage.
There is no known record of Margie’s interaction with her in-laws after her divorce from Jimmy.
Children
There are no public records or credible sources confirming that Margie Washichek had children, either during or after her marriage to Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy Buffett himself went on to marry Jane Slagsvol, with whom he had three children:
- Savannah Buffett
- Sarah “Delaney” Buffett
- Cameron Marley Buffett
Since Margie and Jimmy’s marriage ended before his fame and family life began in earnest, she is not the mother of any of Jimmy Buffett’s children.
Current Life
Very little is known about Margie Washichek’s current life. After her divorce from Jimmy Buffett in the early 1970s, she essentially vanished from the public eye. She did not remarry publicly, write a memoir, or make media appearances about her past life with Jimmy.
This suggests that Margie preferred to live a quiet, private life—perhaps in her home state of Mississippi or another Southern location. There is also no social media presence linked to her, reinforcing the idea that she does not seek public attention.
While Jimmy Buffett became a global icon with businesses, books, restaurants, and millions of fans, Margie seemingly found peace in privacy and distance from celebrity life.
Conclusion
Who is Margie Washichek? She is remembered primarily as the first wife of Jimmy Buffett, married to him during the very beginning of his career. Though her time in the public eye was brief, her story is part of the roots of a cultural icon.
From her Southern upbringing in Pascagoula to her private life post-divorce, Margie has remained an enigmatic figure. She represents a time in Jimmy Buffett’s life before fame, when music was just a dream and life was simpler. For many fans of Buffett’s music, she remains a figure of curiosity—one who was once part of a future legend’s early journey.
Though her family life and current situation are largely unknown, Margie Washichek has likely lived a quiet and peaceful life, far from the lights of “Margaritaville.” Her story reminds us that not everyone touched by fame seeks to be part of it—and that sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones untold.
FAQs
1. Who is Margie Washichek?
Margie Washichek is best known as the first wife of singer Jimmy Buffett. They were married from 1969 to 1972 before he achieved major fame.
2. Where is Margie Washichek from?
She is from Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA—the same hometown as Jimmy Buffett.
3. How long was Margie married to Jimmy Buffett?
Margie and Jimmy Buffett were married for about three years, from 1969 to 1972.
4. Did Margie Washichek have children with Jimmy Buffett?
No, the couple did not have any children during their marriage.
