Who Is Margie Washichek? The Truth About Jimmy Buffett’s First Marriage

When you think of Jimmy Buffett, you probably imagine warm beaches, palm trees, and his famous song Margaritaville. He lived a fun, easygoing life full of music, sunshine, and island vibes. But long before all the fame and fortune, there was a young woman by his side—Margie Washichek.

She isn’t a name you’ll hear often. She stayed out of the spotlight. But Margie was part of Jimmy’s earliest journey, back when he was just a college kid chasing big dreams. In this article, we’ll explore who Margie Washichek is, how she met Jimmy, what their marriage was like, and what happened after they went their separate ways. Her story is quiet—but very interesting.

Margie Washichek Quick Bio

Who Is Margie Washichek?

Margie Washichek is best known as the first wife of Jimmy Buffett. While Jimmy later became a world-famous singer and billionaire businessman, Margie chose a simple and private life. She never tried to be famous, even though she once stood beside a man who would become a legend.

She was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the same town where Jimmy Buffett grew up. This small town in the southern U.S. is where their story began. We don’t know a lot about her childhood, but we do know that she was admired for her beauty and grace. In fact, she was once crowned Miss USS Alabama, which was a local honor given to young women who served as ambassadors for the USS Alabama battleship park.

Even though Margie had a public role as a pageant queen, she never looked for fame. Her life stayed very private after her short time with Buffett.

Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett’s Early Love Story

Margie and Jimmy met when they were still in college. Margie was attending Spring Hill College in Alabama, and Jimmy was studying at the University of Southern Mississippi. They were both young, full of hope, and excited about the future.

Their love story was like many college romances. It started with friendship, long talks, and dreams about what life could be. Jimmy was just starting to take music seriously, and Margie supported his passion. They spent a lot of time together, and it wasn’t long before they got engaged.

This was before the concerts, the record deals, or the money. It was just two students falling in love—and trying to build something real.

Margie Washichek’s Role in Jimmy Buffett’s Early Career

During the early days of Jimmy Buffett’s music career, Margie was right there with him. In fact, she helped him in more ways than most people know. Back then, Jimmy recorded music at a place called Product Sound Studio in Mobile, Alabama. Margie was a regular visitor at the studio and often helped book sessions for Jimmy.

Interestingly, her father owned Marina Junk, a local junkyard. Parts from that junkyard were actually used to help build the studio. So in a way, Margie’s family helped support the place where Jimmy’s early songs came to life.

She wasn’t just a wife—she was part of the team. She believed in his music when no one else did. That kind of support meant a lot to a struggling artist in his early 20s.

Inside Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett’s Marriage

Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett got married in 1969. At that time, Jimmy was still figuring things out. He was passionate about music, but success hadn’t come yet. The couple moved to Nashville, Tennessee, hoping Jimmy could make it in the music industry.

Their marriage was full of ups and downs. Money was tight. Jimmy later said that the only valuable thing they owned was a Mercedes—and even that was hard to keep. They struggled like many young couples do when life feels uncertain.

But despite the challenges, Margie stayed by his side. She was there during the tough times, offering support and patience. Their love was real, but the pressure of life started to build.

Why Did Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett Divorce?

In 1972, just three years after they got married, Jimmy and Margie got divorced. The reason was never fully explained in public, but over time, Jimmy gave hints about what went wrong.

In his 1998 book A Pirate Looks at Fifty, Jimmy Buffett wrote about that period in his life. He talked about being young, broke, and unsure of himself. He admitted he wasn’t ready to be a good husband and called the marriage a “shallow and immature attempt.”

Even though they loved each other, the stress of Jimmy’s career, lack of money, and personal changes pulled them apart. It was a quiet divorce—no drama, no public fights. Just two people realizing they were no longer on the same path.

What Did Jimmy Buffett Say About His First Marriage?

Jimmy Buffett didn’t talk much about his first marriage, but when he did, he was honest. In his book, he wrote about a time when everything seemed to happen at once: He got married, signed his first record deal, moved to Nashville, worked for Billboard Magazine, and then lost everything—including the marriage.

He also said Margie “deserved” the Mercedes they owned. That was his way of saying thank you for standing by him when things were hard. He didn’t blame her, and he didn’t speak badly of her. He just knew it wasn’t the right time or the right match.

This part of his story shows how fast life can change—and how even early struggles can shape your future.

What Happened to Margie Washichek After the Divorce?

After Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett went their separate ways, Margie quietly disappeared from the spotlight. She didn’t give interviews, she didn’t stay in the news, and she never tried to use Jimmy’s name for attention.

Some unconfirmed reports suggest she later remarried a man named Steve Peck and focused on building a peaceful family life. It’s said she may have had children too, but this has never been officially confirmed. Margie has never spoken publicly, and there are no verified photos of her today.

What’s clear is that Margie Washichek chose privacy. While Jimmy Buffett became a global name, she stayed far away from fame and lived a quiet, normal life.

Did Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett Have Children?

No, Margie and Jimmy did not have any children together. This is an important point because many people online get confused.

Jimmy Buffett’s children—Savannah, Delaney, and Cameron—are from his second marriage to Jane Slagsvol, not Margie Washichek. Sometimes people wrongly think Margie is their mother, but that’s not true.

Margie left that part of Jimmy’s life before he became a father. She was there at the beginning of his music path, but not during his rise to fame and family life.

Where Is Margie Washichek Now?

As of 2026, no one really knows where Margie Washichek is. She has completely stayed out of the public eye for over 50 years. There are no current photos, no social media, and no recent public records about her.

It’s possible she still lives in the southern U.S., maybe near her hometown. But that’s only a guess. Her total silence has made people even more curious about her.

Even though she’s no longer in the spotlight, many still wonder: What kind of life did Margie choose? And does she ever think about those early days with Jimmy Buffett?

Margie Washichek’s Life Before and After Fame

Before marrying Jimmy Buffett, Margie Washichek was already admired in her hometown. She was crowned Miss USS Alabama, which meant she was respected and seen as a local beauty queen. She even served as an ambassador for a historic warship attraction.

But after her short time in the spotlight, Margie stepped away. She didn’t chase Hollywood, music, or television. She didn’t write a book or appear in interviews. Instead, she chose to live a private and quiet life, far from the noise.

This is what makes her story different. In a world where many people chase attention, Margie Washichek quietly walked away—and never looked back.

Margie Washichek Net Worth vs Jimmy Buffett’s Net Worth

When they divorced, Jimmy Buffett was still struggling to make ends meet. Margie left before his big success began. So it’s believed she never received major money from the divorce.

Margie Washichek’s net worth is estimated between $15,000 and $300,000, but these numbers are just guesses. There is no solid proof of her wealth or career after the marriage.

Jimmy Buffett, on the other hand, became a billionaire. At the time of his death in 2023, his net worth was over $1 billion, thanks to his music, books, restaurants, hotels, and more.

The difference between them is massive—but it also shows that Margie never tried to gain from his success. She chose peace over wealth, and that makes her story unique.

Why Margie Washichek’s Story Still Matters

You might ask, Why does Margie Washichek still matter? The answer is simple.

She was part of the beginning. She believed in Jimmy Buffett when he had nothing. She stood by him when he was chasing his dream. She was there when the songs were just ideas and the future was still a mystery.

Even though their time together was short, it was important. And while Jimmy’s life became public, Margie’s choice to stay private is powerful. Not every important person in a story wants to be seen. Some just want to live quietly—and that’s okay.

Her story is a reminder that behind every famous name, there are people who helped along the way. Even if we don’t see them, their impact remains.

(FAQs)

What is Margie Washichek’s net worth today?

Her estimated net worth is only around $15,000 to $300,000, despite once being married to billionaire Jimmy Buffett.

How old is Margie Washichek and when was she born?

Margie was born around December 25, 1946, which would make her about 79 years old as of 2026.

Why did Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett divorce?

They divorced in 1972 after just 3 years of marriage. Jimmy later called it a “shallow and immature attempt” at being a husband.

Did Margie Washichek ever remarry or have kids?

Some reports say she remarried a man named Steve Peck and had children, but this has never been confirmed.

Where is Margie Washichek now and what does she do?

No one knows for sure. She completely disappeared from the public eye and has no online presence or known location today.

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