The entertainment world is mourning a profound loss. Singer Carrie Underwood is heartbroken after her frequent songwriting partner, Brett James, passed away. He was 57 years old. The tragic news came after James died in a plane crash.
“Some things are just unimaginable,” the 42-year-old Underwood shared on her Instagram on Friday, September 19. She spoke of the immense void James’s death leaves. His family, friends, and the entire music community feel this pain deeply. “Brett was the epitome of cool,” she wrote. Underwood even pictured him arriving at her writing cabins on his motorcycle, his hair still perfect despite his helmet.
James died on Thursday, September 18. He was involved in a fatal plane crash in North Carolina. Three other passengers also lost their lives. He is survived by his wife and their four children.
Beyond his solo music career, James was a sought-after songwriter. He crafted hit songs for many artists. For Underwood, he co-wrote memorable tracks like “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Flat on the Floor,” and the sassy anthem “Cowboy Casanova.” Underwood recalled loving to hear him sing "Cowboy Casanova." She found it funny that a song like that came from such a "macho guy." But somehow, he still made it sound cool.
“He was a good guy,” Underwood’s tribute continued. She remembered a songwriting session where James had already written about 75% of a song before she even walked in. They finished the song together, adding a melody. Underwood felt it was unfair to split the credit equally since he did most of the work. But James wouldn’t hear of it. He insisted everything be shared equally. This showed his generous spirit.
Underwood found comfort in James’s faith. “Brett loved the Lord,” she stated. They even had the joy of singing together in church. She said her favorite songs to sing were the ones they wrote about Jesus. These songs came from genuine and pure feelings. She vowed never to sing those tunes again without thinking of him.
The former American Idol winner noted that James’s death leaves “a void in all of us.” She worried it might never truly fade. “It will be an eternal reminder that this life is just an instant,” Underwood concluded. “We have to make the most of every day we are given here on earth. Every day is a gift.” She asked everyone to pray for his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known Brett. “I love you, friend. See you someday.”