Laurie Buffett McGuane cannot yet comprehend that her older brother Jimmy was the first to pass away, despite the fact that they shared a similar disease diagnosis around the same time.

The singer of “Come Monday” perished on Friday at age 76. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, an extremely aggressive form of skin cancer.

People reports that around the same time, McGuane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Jimmy and I were diagnosed with cancer about the same time,” she said.

“It was four years ago and Jimmy was actually diagnosed first. When Jimmy found out [I had cancer] he brought the whole family and the dogs to Montana to be with me,” she said.

“Jimmy and I became closer because of our cancers. We talked before and after our scans,” she recalled. “We shared a club that nobody wants to join. I am thunderstruck that Jimmy didn’t make it.

McGuane stated that following surgery at Duke University and treatment in Montana, she is now cancer-free. She stated that her sibling assisted her in her fight against illness.

“I rode my horse during my treatments and tried to continue with my life the same way Jimmy has done,” she said.

Near the end, Buffett was forced to cancel performances after revealing his illness to his admirers.

“Jimmy wanted to perform the shows that he had to cancel. He brought joy to so many. I am very emotional now. When Jimmy was in the world, I felt safe,” McGuane said, adding that even with her husband, Tom, “it will be a whole new thing for me to be without my brother Jimmy.”

McGuane stated that her famous sibling never lost faith in his goal, regardless of the obstacles he encountered along the path.

Jimmy Buffett's Sister Reveals They Faced Cancer at the Same Time: 'Thunderstruck He Didn't Make It' (Exclusive) https://t.co/HteKTmgvDR

— People (@people) September 5, 2023

“Jimmy always had a dream that he pursued until the end. He did a lot of things in between, but hit Key West when he was pretty unknown, and never gave up, up until crowds began coming to listen to him perform. He was a phenomenal person,” she said.

Three days ago, she shared a childhood picture on Instagram and, using her nickname for her brother, noted “Lulu and I were just with Bubba. We talked about our childhood where only siblings can relate. I told him I’ve known him longer than anyone on the planet. He smiled with those twinkling blue eyes and squeezed my hand.”

McGuane stated that the musician’s family congregated around him as he passed away.

“We shared memories of our childhood with Jimmy during his last days,” she said, according to People.

“We would repeat stories, and Jimmy would laugh and nod his head to let us know that he remembered. I have never seen Jimmy depressed ever. Not even at the end. We all like to joke and laugh and that was very much Jimmy,” she said.