Carrie Underwood Mourns Brett James After Tragic Plane Crash

The country music industry is mourning the sudden loss of celebrated songwriter Brett James, who died in a small plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18. James, 57, was best known for penning several of Carrie Underwood’s biggest hits, including her breakthrough single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Underwood, who rose to fame after winning American Idol, posted an emotional tribute to James on social media just days after the crash, calling the tragedy “unfathomable” and praising James not only for his artistry but for his character.

“The loss of Brett James to his family, friends, and our music community is too great to put into words,” Underwood wrote.

A Longtime Collaborator and Creative Force

James was one of three people aboard a Cirrus SR22T that crashed on Thursday afternoon. His wife, Melody Clare, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, also died in the accident. The aircraft was registered to James, whose full legal name was Brett James Cornelius.

James had been a trusted collaborator of Underwood’s since the beginning of her career. In addition to “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” the pair worked on chart-toppers like “Cowboy Casanova” and “Something in the Water.” Reflecting on their time together, Underwood remembered his cool demeanor, passion for songwriting, and magnetic personality.

“Brett was the epitome of ‘cool,’” she wrote. “I picture him riding up to my cabin on his motorcycle to write, his hair somehow perfectly styled even after wearing a helmet.”

She also recalled his sense of humor and humility, particularly when it came to songwriting credits. On one occasion, James insisted on evenly splitting credit for a song, despite having done the majority of the work. “He wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “He was just that kind of guy.”

Faith-Fueled Songs and a Legacy of Integrity

James, who won a Grammy Award for “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” was open about his Christian faith—something that resonated deeply with Underwood, both personally and professionally.

“Brett loved the Lord. That’s the only comfort we have right now,” she shared. “We even sang together at church. My favorite songs to perform are the ones we wrote about Jesus because the emotions in them were so real. I’ll never sing them again without thinking of him.”

Underwood described his death as leaving “a hole in all of us,” adding that it serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility. “This loss will forever remind us that life is but a moment,” she wrote. “Each day is a gift.”

She concluded her tribute by encouraging fans to keep James’ family and loved ones in their prayers. “Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”

Industry Tributes Reflect James’ Impact

In the days following the tragedy, other country music stars shared their own memories of working with James.

Jason Aldean, who collaborated with James on his hit “The Truth,” said he was “heartbroken” by the loss. “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy,” Aldean wrote. “He helped change my life. Honored to have worked with him.”

Dierks Bentley also remembered James’ emotional depth and songwriting brilliance. He recalled bringing the early idea for “I Hold On” to a writing session with James shortly after his father’s passing.

“The chorus is all him,” Bentley said. “When I sing that song live, I’m always thinking of my dad—but I also think of that day with Brett. He just understood it. That song and our friendship changed my life.”