Margie Washichek is Jimmy Buffett’s first wife, married from 1969 to 1972 during his early music career. Born December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, she was a former beauty queen who attended Spring Hill College. After their divorce, she chose privacy over fame and has remained out of the public eye for decades.
Margie Washichek became a figure of public interest through her marriage to Jimmy Buffett from 1969 to 1972. Before he wrote hits like “Margaritaville” and became a music legend, Buffett was a struggling musician with Margie by his side. After their divorce, she retreated from the spotlight and has maintained a private life for over five decades.
This article reveals what we know about Margie Washichek—from her beauty queen days to her current whereabouts and net worth.
Early Life and Beauty Queen Days
Growing Up in Mississippi
Margie Washichek was born on Christmas Day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a small coastal town known for its strong community values. Her family later relocated to Alabama during her teenage years, where the Gulf Coast atmosphere mirrored her Mississippi roots.
Her early years remain largely undocumented, which aligns with her lifelong preference for privacy.
Miss USS Alabama Title
Margie captured attention in Alabama’s beauty pageant scene when she earned the title of “Miss USS Alabama” in 1967. The USS Alabama battleship, a symbol of military pride docked in Mobile Bay, found its representative in Margie, who served as the official hostess welcoming visitors and dignitaries to the famous World War II vessel.
Her duties as Miss USS Alabama included attending local events and ceremonies, where she became a familiar face in Mobile’s social circles—the same circles that would lead to her meeting with Jimmy Buffett.
Education at Spring Hill College
Margie attended Spring Hill College in Alabama, a private institution where she majored in English. Her interest in literature and creative thinking would connect her to a young musician who shared her appreciation for storytelling through different mediums.
Meeting and Marrying Jimmy Buffett
The Mobile Music Scene Connection
Margie’s path crossed with Jimmy Buffett in Mobile’s music scene, where the young musician was making a name for himself playing gigs at local venues and college bars in the late 1960s. When Margie came to see Milton Brown at Product Sound Studio, it was to book sessions for her singer fiancé.
Margie was a frequent visitor at Product Sound Studio, where her father owned Marina Junk, and she would book recording sessions for Buffett.
Their 1969 Wedding
Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett chose a simple courthouse ceremony for their wedding in 1969, reflecting the modest circumstances of a young couple starting their life together. They married the same year Buffett was signed by Buzz Cason, and the couple moved to Nashville shortly after.
Their marriage began during a period when Buffett was still finding his musical identity and struggling financially.
Supporting a Struggling Musician
Margie supported her husband through the challenging early days of his music career, witnessing his transition from a Mobile folk singer to a Nashville country artist searching for his sound. Washichek appreciated Buffett’s musical talents, but their married life was difficult as Buffett was “flat broke”.
Margie described herself as Jimmy’s “number one fan” and explained her role: “I’m fairly critical, so Jimmy plays his songs for me first and I tell him what I think of them. I also lend him moral support, believing that he is very talented”.
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
Marriage Troubles
During their marriage, Buffett developed an obsession with a young woman named Edith who worked at an upscale clothing store called The Looking Glass. As Buffett worked to establish himself in the music industry, Margie adapted to the lifestyle of a musician’s wife, dealing with late nights, tight budgets, and growing demands of her husband’s emerging career.
The 1972 Split
Jimmy Buffett and Margie Washichek divorced in 1972 after three years of marriage. Buffett filed for divorce in September 1972 and left her with the Mercedes, later stating: “She deserved it for putting up with my shallow and immature attempt at being a husband”.
In his 1998 autobiography “A Pirate Looks At Fifty,” Buffett wrote: “I signed a record deal, got married, moved to Nashville, had my guitar stolen, bought a Mercedes, worked at Billboard magazine, put out my first album and went broke…got divorced and moved to Key West”.
Jimmy’s Second Marriage
Buffett met his second wife, Jane Slagsvol, in 1971 at the Chart Room bar while she was visiting Key West on spring break from the University of South Carolina. They married in 1977 in Aspen, Colorado, with the Eagles playing at their wedding. The couple had two daughters and an adopted son, though they split in the early 1980s due to their partying lifestyle before reconciling in 1991.
Life After Jimmy Buffett
Choosing Privacy Over Fame
Following her divorce from Buffett, Margie Washichek largely retreated from the public eye, maintaining a low profile and rarely participating in media interviews or public events. This choice to remain out of the spotlight contrasts sharply with the lives of many celebrity spouses who often embrace the fame associated with their partners.
Unlike many individuals connected to celebrities, Margie did not capitalize on her association with Jimmy and instead focused on living a quiet life.
Current Whereabouts Unknown
As of 2025, Margie Washichek’s whereabouts remain unknown, as she has never returned to the spotlight and no recent photos or interviews exist. There are no recent photos, interviews, or confirmed details about her current location after she completely disappeared from public life.
No Public Remarriage or Children
There are no known records of Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett having children together during their brief marriage. Details about whether Margie had children from other relationships or remarried remain undisclosed.
Margie Washichek’s Net Worth
Financial Estimates Vary
Margie Washichek’s net worth is somewhat of a mystery, with estimates suggesting it ranges between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Other sources place her estimated net worth around $300,000, though these figures are unverified.
Comparison to Jimmy Buffett’s Wealth
At the time of his death in 2023, Jimmy Buffett’s net worth was over $1 billion thanks to his music career, Margaritaville restaurant chain, and other business ventures. Buffett’s estate was estimated to be worth $275 million, with devoted fans known as “Parrotheads”.
Margie chose a different path and lived a quiet, modest life, never seeking financial gain from her past marriage.
Possible Income Sources
Much of Margie’s wealth likely stems from her divorce settlement with Jimmy Buffett, though the exact terms are not public. There is no documented information about her professional career or business ventures after the divorce.
Her Impact on Jimmy Buffett’s Career
Support During Formative Years
Margie was by Jimmy’s side during a pivotal time in his career as he transitioned from a country artist to the beach music icon we know today. Though not in the limelight, Margie was there as Jimmy navigated the early days of his music journey.
During their marriage, Margie worked as a secretary to help support them financially as Buffett struggled to make a name for himself in the Nashville music scene.
A Footnote in Music History
Margie Washichek is more than just a footnote in the history of Jimmy Buffett; she embodies the quieter, often overlooked aspects of fame and relationships. Though she stayed away from the public eye, Margie remains a part of Jimmy Buffett’s history, embodying the quiet strength of those who support loved ones behind the scenes.
Why Margie Washichek Matters
A Study in Privacy
The wider cultural fascination with Washichek stems from a growing desire to understand the private lives of public figures, especially those who choose to remain enigmatic. In an era dominated by social media and reality television, her decision to maintain a low profile echoes a longing for authenticity that many people find increasingly rare.
Dignity of Discretion
Through her low-profile life, she provides valuable commentary on personal choice and the pursuit of privacy within a world that often demands the opposite. In an age where sharing is the norm, Washichek remains a testament to the dignity of discretion.
Physical Appearance and Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 25, 1946 |
| Birth Place | Pascagoula, Mississippi |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7 inches |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Spring Hill College, English major |
| Title | Miss USS Alabama (1967) |
| Marriage Years | 1969-1972 |
About Margie Washichek
Did Margie Washichek have children with Jimmy Buffett?
No, there are no known records of Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett having children together during their three-year marriage.
Where is Margie Washichek now?
As of 2025, Margie Washichek’s whereabouts remain unknown as she has maintained complete privacy since her divorce, with no recent photos or interviews existing.
What is Margie Washichek’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to range between $500,000 and $1.5 million, likely from her divorce settlement, though exact figures are unverified.
Why did Margie Washichek and Jimmy Buffett divorce?
Buffett filed for divorce in September 1972, later calling his marriage a “shallow and immature attempt at being a husband” in his autobiography. During the marriage, Buffett was “flat broke” and developed an obsession with another woman.
FAQs
Was Margie Washichek a beauty queen?
Yes, Margie earned the title “Miss USS Alabama” in 1967 and served as the official hostess for the USS Alabama battleship in Mobile Bay. Her duties included attending local events and ceremonies where she became a familiar face in Mobile’s social circles.
Did Margie Washichek remarry after divorcing Jimmy Buffett?
There are no known public records or information about Margie remarrying after her divorce from Jimmy Buffett. She has successfully maintained her privacy for over 50 years.
How old is Margie Washichek?
Born on December 25, 1946, Margie Washichek would be 78 years old as of 2025. However, there is no confirmation of her current status as she remains out of public view.
What role did Margie play in Jimmy Buffett’s early career?
Margie described herself as critical but supportive, saying Jimmy would play his songs for her first to get her opinion. She worked as a secretary to support them financially during Buffett’s struggling years in Nashville.
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