Carrie Underwood mourns collaborator Brett James after plane crash death

Carrie Underwood is heartbroken after the sudden death of her longtime collaborator and friend, Brett James. He tragically passed away in a plane crash on September 18, 2025, along with his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The news has shaken the music world and left many grieving.

A strong musical connection

Carrie and Brett worked together for many years. He was one of the writers behind her breakthrough hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” their bond was more than just professional, they shared a deep connection through music and faith.

Carrie’s emotional tribute

Carrie took to Instagram to express her pain and pay tribute to Brett. She wrote, “Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words.”

Carrie's emotional tribute, saying, how cool and kind he was, “Brett was the epitome of ‘cool.’ I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long.”

The Champion singer also shared a touching story about his generous spirit during a songwriting session, “I remember writing with him on a song that he basically wrote 75 percent of and had ready when he walked in the room.”

Carrie added, “We filled in the blanks and added a little melody and I told him after that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly when he did most of the work. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal. He was just that kind of guy.”

A man of faith and heart

Carrie also spoke about Brett’s deep faith and how meaningful their songs about Jesus were, adding, “Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church.”

The singer continued, “My favourite 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.”

She expressed just how painful the loss is for her and so many others, “Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away.”

The Before He Cheats songstress ended her message with a heartfelt request and promise, “I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett. Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”