The country music world is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Brett James, one of Nashville’s most gifted songwriters, who tragically passed away in a plane crash on September 18 in Franklin, North Carolina, along with his wife Melody Carole and stepdaughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson.
A Songwriting Legend Remembered
Brett James’ songs helped define modern country music. Known for his poetic storytelling and spiritual depth, he penned several of Carrie Underwood’s most iconic hits, including:
“Jesus, Take the Wheel”
“Something in the Water”
“Cowboy Casanova”
“Love Wins”
“Somethin’ Bad” (with Miranda Lambert)
“Twisted”
His work on “Jesus, Take the Wheel” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, alongside co-writers Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, cementing his place among Nashville’s all-time greats.
Carrie Underwood’s Emotional Tribute
Following the news of his passing, Underwood took to social media to express her grief and admiration.
“Brett loved the Lord,” she wrote. “Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church. My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
Her words reflected a deep friendship built not just on music but on shared faith and mutual respect.
A Night of Tears at the Grand Ole Opry
On October 24, Carrie Underwood returned to the Grand Ole Opry for one of the most emotional performances of her career. Before performing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” she paused, her voice trembling, and dedicated the song to Brett James.
“I am extraordinarily blessed, because I get to, for the rest of my life, get onstage and sing his words,” she told the crowd through tears. “And it’s a beautiful thing. And I get to think about him every time I do.”
As she sang, the audience softly joined in, creating a moment that was both sacred and heartbreaking — a shared celebration of a life that had touched so many.
Keeping His Spirit Alive
Carrie also announced that the October episode of her SiriusXM show, Carrie’s Countdown, would be dedicated entirely to Brett’s songs and legacy.
Sharing photos from that Opry night, she wrote:
“Such a sweet Friday at the @opry! Tonight I got to honor my friend, @brettjamessongs … I’m blessed to have known him, and I get the gift of singing his words and melodies for the rest of my life.”
The images captured her on stage, eyes glistening, smiling through tears as she held her microphone close — a picture of both grief and gratitude.
A Legacy That Lives On
Brett James’ influence on country music goes far beyond his chart-topping hits. His songs were full of hope, faith, and honesty — qualities that resonated deeply with both artists and fans.
For Carrie Underwood, his passing marks the loss of a friend, mentor, and creative partner. But through the songs they shared, his words — and his spirit — will continue to live on every time she steps up to a microphone.
In her own words:
“I get to sing his words for the rest of my life. And I’ll think of him every single time.”