As I remember it, this short-story was about a man travelling alone through space (our galaxy at least to start).
He had his favorite music and books (etc) with him and, I believe, his cat.
It was very cerebral and all about ruminating on the reality of travelling through the vast distances of nothingness of space (e.g. years between planets, etc).
I don't think he dies in the end, but, again, not 100% sure...
I also believe it was pre-1990's and perhaps from one of the classic/giant Sci-fi writers, but I'm not 100% sure of this.
Some others' suggestions that weren't it:
- Philip K. Dick - "I Hope I Shall Arrive Soon"
- Ray Bradbury - "Icarus Montgolfier Wright"
- Robert Heinlein - "Ordeal in Space"
- Alfred Bester - "The Stars My Destination"
- Ray Bradbury - "Kaleidoscope"
- Martin Caiden - "Marooned"
- Stephen King - "The Jaunt"
- Arthur C Clarke "The Star"
- John Varley - "The Pusher"