Brandi Carlile Says Jimmy Buffett Would Make Friends with ‘Lesbian Fisherwomen’ by Telling Them He Knew Her

Brandi Carlile; Jimmy Buffett. PHOTO: AMY SUSSMAN/GETTY; AMANDA EDWARDS/GETTY

Carlile reminisced about Buffett during a tribute concert for the late singer on Thurs., April 11

Brandi Carlile’s name went far for Jimmy Buffett.

On Thursday, April 11, the country star, 42, recalled how the “Margaritaville” hitmaker often used her name to become friends with “lesbian fisherwomen” during the Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett at the Hollywood Bowl.

During her tribute to the late singer — who died from Merkel cell carcinoma in September 2023 — Carlile revealed that the “language” between she and Buffett was “fishing.”

“I could call Jimmy up, it didn’t matter where I was, and he’d have some salty dog captain come out and pick me up and take me fishing, even if he couldn’t be there off the drop off, off Anegada or in the Gulf,” she told the audience.

Brandi Carlile in New York City in January 2018. DIA DIPASUPIL/GETTY

Carlile continued: “And he just treated me like gold, and he used to go out on the water and make friends with lesbian fisherwomen by telling him that he knew ‘Brandi Carlile’ and that they were fishing buddies.’

She explained that he would text her and say, “Hey, Brandi, I met some more lesbians. I gave them your phone number. Next time you’re out in the Cape and the stripers are in, they’re going to call you.”

Carlile then spoke about how “good” he was to her and how she believes it was “mostly because he knew how much I love his wife Jane, who’s one of my most precious, precious friends.”

The “Broken Horses” performer then said she was “proud and honored to sing the Buffett favorite “Come Monday,” “even as a lesbian.”

Jimmy Buffett in New York City in March 2018. BRUCE GLIKAS/BRUCE GLIKAS/FILMMAGIC

In addition to Carlile, the one-night-only show in honor of the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” musician featured special performances from Paul McCartney, Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and many others to celebrate his life and musical legacy.

It featured a star-studded lineup of rock, country, folk and pop talent. In addition to The Beatles bassist/singer, 81, the “Hotel California” band, the Bon Jovi frontman, 62, and the folk-pop star, 62, Zac Brown, Jackson Browne, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Scotty Emerick, Jack Johnson, Caroline Jones, Mac McAnally, Jake Owen, Pitbull and Jake Shimabukuro also took the stage and paid their respects to Buffett.

The escapist singer-songwriter’s longtime touring band The Coral Reefer Band also performed during the evening.