Musicians & Composers · 20th Century
Bob Marley’s Last Words
“Money can't buy life.”— Bob Marley, May 11, 1981
Who Was Bob Marley?
Bob Marley was the global ambassador of reggae music, bringing Jamaican music and Rastafarian culture to the world with hits including No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song, and One Love.
The Final Moments
Marley's last words were spoken to his son Ziggy as he lay dying in a Miami hospital. He had refused to have his cancerous toe amputated years earlier for religious reasons, allowing the cancer to spread.
Are These Words Verified?
Ziggy Marley, Bob's son who was present at his death, has consistently reported these final words to him in Miami. The account is well-documented and widely accepted.
Sources
- firsthand Ziggy Marley firsthand account
- biography Roger Steffens documentation
- archive Cedars of Lebanon Hospital records
Legacy
Marley's music and message of love and unity transcend borders. He remains one of the most beloved musicians in the world decades after his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Bob Marley’s last words?
“Money can't buy life.”
How did Bob Marley die?
Bob Marley died on May 11, 1981 at the age of 36. Cause of death: Melanoma (brain, lungs, and stomach).
Were Bob Marley’s last words documented?
Ziggy Marley, Bob's son who was present at his death, has consistently reported these final words to him in Miami. The account is well-documented and widely accepted.